Animal Ordinances in Bowling Green, KY (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Bowling Green, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Bowling Green Code of Ordinances Section 5-1.07 (Poultry Restrictions) allows a maximum of five (5) non-crowing poultry per property. Roosters and crowing poultry or peafowl are prohibited inside the city limits. Hens must be confined on the owner's premises by a fence or structure in good repair, with secured gates. No city permit is required for five or fewer hens, but a Multiple Animal Permit (5-1.06) is required for any property keeping more than six total animals.
Bowling Green Backyard Poultry Limit (5 Non-Crowing Hens, No Roosters)
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Bowling Green Code Section 5-1 requires that all dogs be on a leash or confined on the owner's premises at all times. Dogs found in violation may be impounded at the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society. Under Kentucky state law (KRS 258.215 and 258.235), all dogs three (3) months or older must be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies tag; Warren County administers the local dog/cat licensing program.
Bowling Green Dog Leash Law & Warren County Tag/Rabies Requirements
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Bowling Green does not have a breed-specific ban. There is no pit bull ban or breed-restricted permit in the current Bowling Green Code of Ordinances. Instead, Section 5-1 regulates 'vicious or dangerous animals' on a conduct basis: any animal that attacks, bites, or physically injures a human, domestic animal, or livestock without adequate provocation, and any animal that has attacked without provocation, is presumed vicious or dangerous. Such animals must be kept in a securely fenced enclosure (minimum 5 ft x 10 ft, secure top and sides) and may only be transported muzzled and on a leash no longer than six (6) feet held by a responsible adult.
Bowling Green Breed Restrictions (No BSL; Conduct-Based Vicious-Dog Rule)
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
The Bowling Green Code of Ordinances does not contain a beekeeping-specific section. Beekeeping is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 252 (Apiaries), administered by the Kentucky State Apiarist within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). Kentucky beekeepers may be required to report colony information to the Commissioner, and KRS 252.190 authorizes KDA rules to control bee diseases. Hives must not violate Bowling Green's general nuisance provisions, and any for-profit operation keeping more than six animals (broadly defined) must also obtain a Multiple Animal Permit under Section 5-1.06.
Bowling Green Beekeeping (KRS 252 State Registration)
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Bowling Green Code Section 5-1.16 (Exotic or Wild Animals) prohibits anyone from owning, harboring, or keeping any exotic or wild animal inside the city without (1) the required permit from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) where state law requires one, AND (2) written permission from the City of Bowling Green Neighborhood and Community Services Department. Kentucky state law (KRS 65.877 and 301 KAR 2:082) lets local governments ban inherently dangerous wildlife; KDFWR prohibits private personal possession of lions, tigers, bears, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, gorillas, chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, African buffalo, hyenas, Komodo dragons, elephants, and other inherently dangerous species.
Bowling Green Exotic / Wild Animals (Sec. 5-1.16 + KRS 65.877 + KDFWR)
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Bowling Green does not have a city-specific wildlife-feeding ordinance, but Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) rules apply citywide. KDFWR prohibits feeding wildlife (corn, millet, milo, safflower seed, sunflower seed, thistle, wheat, or any manufactured feed/food product) statewide from March 1 through July 31. Bird feeders within the curtilage of the home (immediate yard) are permissible year-round, and salt/mineral licks are permitted statewide outside of CWD Surveillance Zones (Warren County is not currently in the CWD Surveillance Zone).
Bowling Green Wildlife Feeding (KDFWR Statewide Rules)
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Bowling Green is an urban jurisdiction. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, ducks, geese, turkeys, and peafowl are not authorized in city residential zoning districts. The only farm-style animals allowed on a city residential lot are up to five (5) non-crowing hens under Section 5-1.07 - and roosters/crowing poultry are expressly prohibited. Larger livestock generally requires agricultural zoning in unincorporated Warren County outside the city limits.
Bowling Green Livestock (Urban Residential - Not Authorized)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Warren County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bowling Green city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Warren County →