Kentucky Statewide Rule

Kentucky Bans Cattle Running at Large Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kentucky (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: KRS 259.210
Fine: $5 to $25
Enforcement: Sheriff or peace officer
Impound fee: $1/head, $3 cap, plus feed
Owner liability: All damages, fenced or not

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Kentucky law forbids anyone from letting cattle run at large. Owners are liable for all damage the animals cause, sheriffs may impound loose stock, and violators face a fine under KRS 259.990.

259.210 Cattle not to run at large -- Damages -- Lien, impounding -- Powers of cities. (1) No person shall permit any cattle owned by him or under his control or in his custody, to run at large. (2) If any damage is committed by cattle permitted to run at large, the owner of the cattle shall be liable for all damages, whether the place where the damages occurred is inclosed by lawful fence or not... (3) The sheriff or any other peace officer shall impound any cattle found running at large in the county... Penalty: 259.990(2) fined not less than five dollars ($5) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25).

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Full Breakdown

KRS 259.210 states plainly that no person shall permit cattle they own or control to run at large. If loose cattle cause damage, the owner is liable for all of it, whether or not the land was fenced, and the injured party gets a lien on the animals for the damage plus court costs. Any sheriff or peace officer must impound cattle found at large, charging the owner one dollar per head (capped at three dollars total) plus feeding costs, and holds a lien enforceable like a mortgage. Cities keep their own power to regulate cattle at large.

Violations & Penalties

Violating KRS 259.210 draws a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $25 under KRS 259.990(2), on top of full civil liability for damages and impound and feeding fees owed to the impounding officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to let cattle roam in Kentucky?

No. KRS 259.210 prohibits permitting any cattle you own or control to run at large anywhere in the state.

Who impounds loose cattle?

The sheriff or any peace officer must impound cattle found running at large in the county and holds a lien on them for fees and feeding costs.

Am I liable if my cattle damage a neighbor's unfenced land?

Yes. The owner is liable for all damages whether or not the property was enclosed by a lawful fence.

Sources

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