Animal Ordinances in Franklin County, KY (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky bars poultry of any kind on lots under 0.75 acre, caps non-crowing chickens by a lot-size table topping out at five birds, and reserves livestock for lots over five acres. Coops on lots under one and one-half acres must sit 15 feet from side and rear lines and 50 feet from the front line.
Backyard Chicken and Livestock Rules in Unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky
Some RestrictionsFranklin County Code § 155.089, note (2)
(2) Livestock (excluding non-crowing chickens) only on lots over five acres. All other poultry shall be kept on tracts or lots of at least five acres. Up to five non-crowing chickens may be kept on tracts less than acres, but shall be kept in a fence or structure of sufficient height and construction to prevent the animal(s) from leaving the owner’s property. On tracts or lots less than one and...
Dog Leash Laws
In unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky, § 90.02 of the county code requires every dog to be restrained, meaning kept on the owner's premises or under the control of a responsible person off the premises. The Dog Warden or any peace officer can take an unrestrained dog to the Franklin County Humane Society shelter, which holds it at least seven days.
Franklin County KY Dog Restraint Rules
Some RestrictionsFranklin County Code § 90.02
(A) Every dog kept on the owner’s premises and control within the county, outside the corporate limits of Frankfort, Kentucky, shall be restrained. (B) Un-restrained dogs may be taken by the Dog Warden or any other peace officer of the county to the Franklin County Humane Society, Inc., Small Animal Shelter, and there confined in a humane manner not less than seven days, exclusive of the date o...
Breed Restrictions
In unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky, § 90.06 makes it unlawful to harbor or keep any dog with vicious propensity. The county judges the dog by conduct, not breed: a bite or attack on any person outside the owner's premises is prima facie evidence of viciousness. The owner also pays boarding fees for rabies isolation.
Franklin County KY Vicious Dog Ordinance
Some RestrictionsFranklin County Code § 90.06
It shall be unlawful for any owner to harbor or keep any dog with vicious propensity. It shall be prima facie evidence of viciousness for any dog to bite or attack any person while outside the owner’s premises. If the Franklin County Humane Society, Inc., detains or keeps in isolation a dog to determine if said dog has rabies, the owner of said dog shall be liable to the Franklin County Humane ...
Exotic Pets
In unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky, § 90.21 bars anyone from importing or possessing two lists of animals, including foxes, prairie dogs, primates, big cats, bears, crocodilians and venomous exotic snakes. Zoos, government agencies and research institutions get narrow exceptions under § 90.22. Violations carry a fine of $200 to $500 for each offense.
Franklin County KY Prohibited Exotic Animals
Heavy RestrictionsFranklin County Code § 90.21
(A) Except as specified in § 90.22 of this chapter, a person shall not import or possess: (1) Suricate or slender-tailed meerkat (Genus Suricata); (2) Flying fox or fruit bat (Genus Pteropus); ... (28) Fox (Genus Cerdocyon, Genus Lycalopex, Genus Otocyon, Genus Urocyon, and Genus Vulpes); ... (30) Prairie dog (Cynomys spp); ... (B) The possession or importation of the following dangerous exotic...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky, an animal hospital or veterinary clinic in the CL Rural Limited Commercial District needs a conditional use permit, and the property cannot abut any parcel used or zoned residential. Veterinarians' offices are also a conditional use in the PO Professional Office District.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning in Unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky
Significant RestrictionsFranklin County Code § 155.146(C)(1)
(C) Conditional uses. (1) Animal hospitals and veterinary clinics, bars and taverns, automated and self-service car washes; provided that, property does not abut any parcel currently used or zoned for residential purposes, that surface water from such establishments shall not drain onto adjacent streets or property and that adequate on-site storage lanes and parking facilities shall be provided...
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