Animal Ordinances in Rutherford County, TN (2026)
6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In unincorporated Rutherford County livestock is common and largely governed by zoning, but the PAWS Rules make it unlawful to let livestock run at large on streets or on another's land. Impounded large animals can be redeemed, sold, or euthanized.
Keeping Livestock in Rutherford County
Some RestrictionsPAWS Rules & Regs, Art. XXIII
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or controlling any livestock, as defined in these Rules and Regulations, to allow such animals to run at large in the streets or on any privately owned land in the county without the permission of such landowner.
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs and cats may not run at large in unincorporated Rutherford County. Off the owner's property an animal must be leashed and controlled by a person able to restrain it. Violations bring impoundment and fines under the county PAWS Rules.
Dog Leash Law in Rutherford County
Some RestrictionsPAWS Rules & Regs, Art. I (Definitions); Art. IX
"Properly restrained" means (i) controlled by a competent person over eighteen (18) years of age by means of a chain, leash, or other like device not to exceed six foot (6') in length
Breed Restrictions
Rutherford County has no breed-specific ban. Its dangerous-dog rules cannot label a dog dangerous based solely on breed. Truly dangerous dogs are regulated by behavior through General Sessions Court, and state law allows destruction of a dog that kills or seriously injures.
Dog Breed Restrictions in Rutherford County
Some RestrictionsPAWS Rules & Regs, Art. XXV, §9; T.C.A. §44-17-120
No such designation as a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog or any other similar such designation shall be recognized by Rutherford County if such designation is based solely on the breed of the dog.
Pet Limits
The county has no ordinance using the word 'hoarding,' but the PAWS Rules make neglect and cruelty unlawful and let officers seize animals kept without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Serious cases are prosecuted under state cruelty law.
Animal Hoarding and Neglect in Rutherford County
Some RestrictionsPAWS Rules & Regs, Art. XVI; Art. XIX
It shall be unlawful for any person to neglect an animal as neglect is defined in these Rules and Regulations.
Cat Rules
Cats fall under the same at-large, licensing, and rabies rules as dogs, but 'community cats' are exempt from the running-at-large prohibition. Every owned cat over three months needs a $5 county license and a rabies vaccination.
Cat Ownership Rules in Rutherford County
Some RestrictionsPAWS Rules & Regs, Art. XVIII
Any person who owns, keeps or harbors a dog or cat within the County shall have such dog or cat inoculated or immunized against rabies.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Unincorporated Rutherford County splits veterinary uses in two: large-animal veterinary services need a Board of Zoning Appeals special exception in the AR and RL districts, while general Animal Care & Veterinarian Services are by-right in every commercial and industrial district but need a special exception in AR and OP.
Veterinary Zoning in Rutherford County, TN
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance, Appendix B (Land Use Activity Table)
Agricultural Sales & Services SE SE N N N N N P P P N N P P P Agricultural Sales & Services ... Animal Care & Veterinarian Services SE N N N N SE N P P P P P P P P Animal Care & Veterinarian Services ... P = Permitted ... SE = Special Exception
Animal Ordinances by City in Rutherford County
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Rutherford County ordinances
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