Murfreesboro's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Bird Protection
Murfreesboro designates its entire corporate area a bird sanctuary: trapping, shooting, hunting, or molesting birds or robbing nests is unlawful everywhere in the City, except for Starlings the City formally declares a nuisance.
Key details: Sanctuary area: entire City limits. Prohibited acts: trap, shoot, hunt, molest birds. Nest robbing: unlawful. Nuisance exception: Starlings, City-declared only. Penalty: City Code §§ 5-22, 1-8.
Trapping, shooting, hunting, or molesting any bird or wild fowl, or robbing a nest, anywhere in Murfreesboro is unlawful under § 5-21 and punishable per § 5-22 / City Code § 1-8.
This is one of the stricter rules in Murfreesboro's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Dog Leash Laws
Murfreesboro dogs can't run at large or trespass: owners must keep them enclosed or confined, though a dog on a public street is legal if held on a leash strong enough to prevent escape.
Key details: At-large dogs: unlawful, may be impounded. Leash exception: leash strong enough to prevent escape. Trespassing dogs: unlawful, enclosed or not. Penalty: City Code § 1-8.
Letting a dog run at large, trespass, or roam unleashed off the owner's control violates § 5-24; the dog may be impounded under § 5-27 and the owner penalized under City Code § 1-8.
Cat Rules
Murfreesboro requires every cat over three months old to be rabies-vaccinated, and owners must pay a $2 annual fee to the Rutherford County Trustee by May 1 for a tag.
Key details: Vaccination age: By 3 months old. Annual fee: $2.00 per cat. Due date: May 1 each year. Paid to: Rutherford County Trustee. Tag required: On collar at all times.
Owning, keeping, or harboring an unvaccinated or unregistered cat is a violation of § 5-25 and is punishable under the general penalty provision, City Code § 1-8.
Chickens & Livestock
Murfreesboro lets residents keep chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys if they're confined and don't trespass, but roosters are banned within City limits unless penned at least 2,000 feet from the nearest residence.
Key details: Hens/fowl allowed: if confined, not trespassing. Roosters: banned within City limits. Rooster exception distance: 2,000 feet from nearest residence. Penalty basis: City Code § 1-8.
Letting fowl run at large or trespass, or keeping a rooster closer than 2,000 feet to the nearest residence, is unlawful under § 5-1 and punishable per City Code § 1-8.
This is one of the stricter rules in Murfreesboro's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Murfreesboro is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Murfreesboro, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Murfreesboro's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.