For more information on local animal laws, please visit the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s website (Chapter 4 of LFUCG Code of Ordinances)

Dog & Cat Licenses Section 4-12.3

All dogs and cats must be licensed annually starting at 6 months of age and rabies vaccinated at four months of age.

Leash Law Section 4-19

All dogs in Fayette County must be on a leash, behind a fence, or on the dog owner’s property under the owner’s supervision at all times when outside. Dogs cannot run-at-large, even under voice command, and they must wear their current license and rabies tags at all times. If you receive a summons or citation because your dog was running loose or not wearing its license/rabies tags, the fines can be paid at the Fayette County District Court.

There are four locations in Fayette County where dogs can run off-leash in designated areas: Masterson Station Park, Jacobson Park, Coldstream Park, and Wellington Park. Click here for more information about local dog parks!

Barking Dogs Section 14/72 (10)

If you are having a problem with a barking dog, please consider the following options:

• Talk to your neighbor – Please give your neighbor the benefit of the doubt. In many situations, someone with a noisy dog may not realize that there is a disturbance. Dogs bark because of numerous reasons including loneliness, boredom, other animals, passersby, or because they’re being teased. Doing someone a favor by informing them of the situation first could be the neighborly thing to do!

• Put it in writing – If after talking to your neighbor the problem continues, write a letter reminding him/her of the situation. Try not to use a threatening tone and explain that if the problem doesn’t get better you will need to contact local authorities. Maintain a list of the occasions you’ve spoken to the neighbor about the problem. Be sure to record the dates, times, and durations of barking.

• Enforcement possibilities – Note: Continual dog barking is a misdemeanor violation that must be witnessed for enforcement to go forward. If you have witnessed a violation, it will probably be necessary for you to appear in court.

Call the Lexington Police Department (258-3600) for advice to see what assistance is available.

Call Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control (255-9033) to make an official complaint. Have the address of the violation and the name of the pet owner (if possible). As a first step, LFACC may leave a warning at the address regarding the disturbance. If the violation is not witnessed by an officer, to move forward it would be necessary for you to file a complaint with the County Attorney’s Office.

Call the County Attorney’s Office (254-4941) to directly file an official complaint. Be prepared to report your contact information, whether you’ve spoken to your neighbor about the problem, and how often and many times the disturbance has occurred.

• 4.) Mediation** – It’s always best if neighbors can work together. Voluntary mediation can be a valuable tool in helping parties arrive at an acceptable, peaceful solution. Mediation must be agreed upon by both involved parties. Call the not-for-profit Mediation Center of Kentucky (246-2664) to request a session with a professional mediator. There is a fee for the service that is split between both parties. If you mention this website, a reduced rate could apply.

**Voluntary involvement

Pooper Scooper Section 4-23.1

The Pooper Scooper ordinance is handled by the Lexington Police Department.

Stray Dogs & Cats Section 4-21

All impounded stray dogs are held for a minimum of five days and cats for a minimum of three days with the hope that their owners will reclaim them.

Kennel Permit Section 4-12.4

If you own eight or more dogs, you need to apply for an annual kennel license through Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control.

· $135 Kennel License

· Each dog must be individually licensed and current on its rabies vaccinations.

Citations

If you were issued a citation for any local ordinance violation, please contact the district court to remit payment.