Animal Ordinances in Jessamine County, KY (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Jessamine County, Kentucky.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In Jessamine County, Kentucky, it is unlawful to permit livestock to run at large, and impounded livestock is held for a minimum of 15 days after newspaper advertisement. The code defines livestock as cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine or equine animals, and a repeat offender faces a fine of $50 to $500.
Livestock Rules in Jessamine County, Kentucky
Some RestrictionsJessamine County Code §§ 90.01, 90.12
LIVESTOCK. ... Cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses or any other animals of the bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine, or equine species. ... (A) It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any livestock owned or harbored by him or her, to run at large. When livestock are running at large, Animal Care and Control or a peace officer shall make reasonable efforts to notify the owner as soon as possibl...
Dog Leash Laws
In Jessamine County, Kentucky, a dog owner must keep the canine on the owner's property 24 hours a day, by leash, chain, running wire, fence or another reasonable and humane means. A dog found loose off its owner's premises is presumed to be running at large, and a first conviction carries a fine of $50 to $100 plus court costs.
Dog Leash and Running at Large Rules in Jessamine County
Some RestrictionsJessamine County Code § 90.03
(A) An owner of a canine shall be responsible for restricting that canine to the property of the owner 24 hours a day. Restricting a canine to the property of the owner may be accomplished by way of leash, chain, leash and running wire, fence (electrified or non-electrified), or any other means, provided the means of restraint are calculated to restrict the canine to the property of the owner i...
Breed Restrictions
Jessamine County's vicious canine rules turn on conduct, and the code states that a canine shall not be deemed vicious solely because of its breed or assumed or known breed component. After a district court declares a dog vicious, the owner must confine it 24 hours a day, and a conviction under § 90.05 carries a fine of $100 to $500.
Dangerous Dog Rules in Jessamine County, Kentucky
Some RestrictionsJessamine County Code §§ 90.01, 90.05
VICIOUS CANINE. ... The following actions may be used as part of a criminal complaint and/or evidentiary hearing before a District Judge for a finding of fact that a canine is a danger to the public health and safety of the residents incorporated and unincorporated areas of Jessamine County. ... (7) Exceptions. A canine shall not be deemed vicious solely because: ... (d) Its breed or assumed/kn...
Exotic Pets
Jessamine County, Kentucky makes it unlawful to sell, own, harbor or keep as a pet a wild or exotic animal not indigenous to the United States, unless state and federal agencies have approved the animal for sale or retention and every required permit has been obtained. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $250, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Wild and Exotic Pet Rules in Jessamine County
Significant RestrictionsJessamine County Code §§ 90.01, 90.07
EXOTIC ANIMAL. ... Any animal not indigenous to the United States. ... WILD ANIMAL. Any species of animal not normally domesticated by human beings, including but not limited to ail bears, lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, coyote, wolves, hybrid wolves, wolverines, badgers elephants and rhinoceros. ... It shall be unlawful to sell, own, harbor or keep as a pet, a wild or exotic animal, not indi...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
In Jessamine County, Kentucky, the spay/neuter mandate attaches to shelter adoptions: all canines and felines adopted from the animal shelter shall be surgically altered to prevent breeding. An adopter who fails to comply must show a veterinarian's proof of surgery or surrender the animal without a refund of adoption fees, and is fined $100 to $150.
Spay/Neuter for Shelter Adoptions in Jessamine County
Some RestrictionsJessamine County Code §§ 90.09, 90.99
(C) All canines and felines adopted from the animal shelter shall be surgically altered to prevent breeding. ... (T) Penalties for § 90.09(C). Any person failing to comply with the mandatory spay/neuter adoption requirements of § 90.09 of this chapter shall either show the court proof from a licensed veterinarian that the surgical procedure has been performed or shall be ordered by the court to...
Microchipping
In Jessamine County, Kentucky, every animal released from the county animal shelter, whether by return to owner or by adoption, must be implanted with a microchip before release. Dogs reclaimed by their owners also pay canine licensing fees. A hunting hound impounded while lost during a hunt is exempt, and a violation draws a fine of $100 to $150.
Pet Microchip Rules in Jessamine County, Kentucky
Some RestrictionsJessamine County Code § 90.10
(A) All animals released from the county animal shelter whether by return to owner or adoption shall be implanted with a microchip prior to release. Canines released from the shelter by return to owner shall also be subject to the canine licensing fees outlined in § 90.04. A hound or other hunting dog which is impounded at the shelter as a result of the dog’s having become temporarily lost or h...
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