Laws and Information Pertaining to Dogs

I would like to update everyone on some new and old laws, as they pertain to our dogs. Responsible pet ownership is not always easy. Laws are changing, and more stringent laws pass elected boards often. Also, after much effort, we have a felony animal cruelty law here in Kentucky. “I didn’t know” is not an excuse. Ignorance of the law does not make you innocent. So, if you are a pet owner, take a moment to brush up on state statutes, county laws, and local ordinances. Below are only a few of the most common laws I enforce every day.

Important state laws include the following:

• All dogs must have a rabies vaccination and wear their tag. A licensed veterinarian must give this vaccine. (No do-it-yourself vaccine!)
• Female dogs must be confined while in heat. Female dog owners are liable for territorial males becoming aggressive and wandering. A spayed female will never go to court for this violation—another good reason to spay your dog!
• Dogs running at-large from sunset to sunrise are in violation of state statute. Kentucky Revised Statutes allow police or animal control to kill such dogs. However, I feel court, fines, and altering are much more practical.
• All dogs must have adequate space, food, water, and vet care. If you can not afford to supply all of these, do you and your dog a favor and get rid of him or her. It is also illegal to beat, mutilate, torture, or kill a dog.

Some Campbell County laws to be aware of include these:

• All dogs must have a county tag. This tag is only $5 and can be purchased at the shelter (859-635-2819) or the Fiscal Court building on Monmouth Street in Newport. You must show proof of rabies vaccination.
• All dogs that are housed outside for any period of time need adequate shelter. The definition of an adequate shelter requires a floor, roof, and sides. A plastic swimming pool turned upside down or “under the porch” are not adequate shelters.
• Dogs must be restrained while riding in the back of a pickup truck. For me, this was common sense, but now it is finally the law here. Isn’t any unsecured cargo dangerous in traffic?
• A dangerous dog that acts aggressive or has bitten before has special requirements. Homeowners insurance may even cancel you or your landlord for harboring such a dog.
• If you feed a stray dog for three days or more, it is yours. You assume responsibility when you feed it; do not call animal control to pick it up.
• Any stray dog must be held for five days only before becoming property of the shelter.

City ordinances vary. Bellevue’s laws include some of the following:

• When walking your dog, on leash of course, you must pick up any stool left by your dog. This is not just a sanitary issue but a neighborly, respectful thing to do. Also do not forget your own yard. Be sanitary and scoop your yard regularly.
• Excessive barking is a nuisance at any hour—day or night. This is another great reason not to leave your dog out all day while you work. Your bored, unattended, and lonely dog can become a neighbor’s worst nightmare. My hope is that they like you and hate to complain, but your dog might be driving them crazy.

Laws and Information Pertaining to Cats