Bowling Green, KY Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Sec. 5-1.01 defines 'exotic or wild animal' as any animal identified by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or the Kentucky Revised Statutes as exotic, or as inherently dangerous to human health and safety. Sec. 5-1.16(a) makes it a violation to own, harbor or keep such an animal without a state Fish and Wildlife permit where the statute requires one, and without written permission from Neighborhood and Community Services; that written permission is granted only if the Animal Control Officer is satisfied the facility is adequate, the animal is or will be properly restrained, and it will not threaten public health or safety.

Moving the animal anywhere within the city requires its own written permission from the same department. Sec. 5-1.16(b) requires the Animal Control Officer to impound any exotic or wild animal kept in violation of the Chapter at the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, or another organization the Board of Commissioners designates, at the owner's expense for up to 30 days; the owner may reclaim it by paying those expenses and demonstrating future compliance, but if the owner cannot show compliance, does not claim the animal, or does not pay, the animal may be sold, put up for adoption, or otherwise disposed of.