Nicholasville, KY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 5-27 of the Nicholasville Code of Ordinances is a restraint rule with two parts. First, dogs kept in the city are to be kept within the confines of their residence property. Second, an owner takes a dog beyond that property only while controlling it with a leash or other similar device at all times. The text does not insist on a leash alone, since a similar device qualifies, but the control requirement runs for the entire time the animal is permitted to leave the residence property.

The one carve-out is a designated municipal park to be used exclusively for dogs, which is excluded from the restraint requirement. The section prints no leash length for ordinary dogs, no tether provision and no distinction by size or breed. A six-foot limit appears only for dangerous or vicious dogs in Section 5-32(a)(1), which requires a muzzle and a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six (6) feet under the control of a responsible adult.

Enforcement runs through the police department. Section 5-28 makes it the duty of any police officer to take possession of any animal found in violation of Article II and confine it in the pound. Article II (Sections 5-26 to 5-29) prints no penalty clause of its own, so the general penalty in Section 1-10(a) applies where no specific penalty is provided: a fine not exceeding $250 and not less than $10.

Neighboring rules fill out the picture. Section 5-7 requires the custodian of every animal to remove excreta deposited on public walks, streets, recreation areas or private property belonging to another. Section 5-6 makes loud and continual barking, whining and continuous noises that surrounding neighbors can hear unlawful. Section 5-3 bans swine except miniature pot bellied pigs kept as pets, and those pigs are subject to all leash laws applicable to dogs. Section 5-27 itself carries a state law reference to KRS 258.265 on confinement and control of dogs at night.