6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
Verified from official government sources
Jefferson County may permit backyard chickens with limits on flock size and setbacks. Roosters typically banned in residential zones. Kentucky Right to Farm Law protects agricultural operations.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LMCO § 91.002 requires all dogs off the owner's premises to be on a leash controlled by a responsible person. Dangerous dogs require a leash of maximum 4 feet and a muzzle when off the owner's property. Off-leash areas in designated Metro Parks are the only exception.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) has no breed-specific legislation. Previous restrictions were repealed in line with Kentucky state law KRS 258.235(4), which prohibits local breed-specific ordinances statewide. All dogs are regulated by individual behavior classification under the 2021 Animal Ordinance.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) permits beekeeping under the 2021 Urban Agriculture LDC amendments (21-LDC-0003). No specific hive count or setback limits are set at the Metro level beyond general LDC urban agriculture standards. State registration with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is required under KRS Chapter 252.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LMCO Chapter 91 § 91.140 regulates exotic species. Prohibited wild animals may not be kept without written approval from the Metro Animal Services Director. Most exotic wildlife is not permitted. Kentucky Fish & Wildlife (KRS Ch. 150) also restricts native wildlife. Standard pets include dogs, cats, common small pets, and reptiles.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) prohibits feeding of deer and elk under 301 KAR 2:075. Louisville Metro Animal Services addresses feeding that creates nuisance or wildlife conflicts under LMCO Chapter 91.
1 cities in Jefferson County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Jefferson County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Jefferson County Ordinance Hub →