Animal Control
The Bowling Green Police Animal Control Unit provides quality enforcement pertaining to public safety, animal control and animal welfare. Our animal control officers are highly trained, experienced, National Animal Control Association (NACA) certified professionals. Animal Control Officers investigate animal abuse, enhance public awareness of animal ordinances and safety and respond to a variety of citizen requests for service. Services include: stray animals, leash law enforcement, barking dogs, regulating vicious/dangerous dogs, monitor dog licensing, rabies control, and bite quarantines.
Dog and Cat Licensing
The City of Bowling Green requires annual licensing of all dogs and cats three (3) months of age or older. This license may be purchased at the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society.
The license fee shall be due and payable on the first day of July each year or on the first day of the month following the acquisition of the dog or cat. The license tag must be attached to a suitable collar and kept on the dog or cat at all times.
Leash Law
Dogs and cats allowed to roam the streets are not only a nuisance and dangerous to the public, but are in constant danger from cars, people, and even other animals. For these reasons, all dogs and cats must be on a leash or confined on the owner's premises at all times. Dogs and cats in violation of the leash law may be detained by Animal Control and impounded at the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society. In addition to impoundment fees, owners may be issued a summons for a violation of the City Ordinance.
Rabies
Bowling Green and Warren County is the home of many species of wildlife (bats, skunks, raccoons, etc.) known to transmit this incurable disease to pets and people. It is required that all dogs, cats and ferrets three (3) months of age or older be vaccinated. Keep the rabies certificate as proof of current vaccination for licensing and proof of ownership. Rabies tags should be attached to your pet's collar or harness or affixed to it's enclosure or cage.
Animal Bites
The law requires all animal bites that break the skin be reported to the Bowling Green Police Department Animal Control or the local Health Department.
Cruelty/Neglect
Failure of the owner of any animal to provide adequate food, water, shelter, opportunity for exercise, or veterinary care constitutes a violation of state law. In addition, intentional acts of cruelty, such as abandonment, harassment or torture will be vigorously prosecuted.
Pet Care
Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water available at all times. Make sure your pet has shelter and shade from direct sun.
Females in heat should be kept confined to guard against unwanted matings. You can be fined for allowing a female in heat to run at large. Please Spay or Neuter your pet to help control the unwanted pet population. We pick up animals every day that need loving homes.
Any chain or tether must be at least 10 feet in length and have swivels on both ends. No chain or tether shall weigh more than 1/8 of the dog or puppy's body weight. Keep your pet's chain or tether clear of objects it can get tangled up in.
Animal Collectors
A "collector" is a person who believes he or she is "saving" animals from the streets and starvation by bringing them into his or her home. The problem begins when a collector can't seem to say no to an animal, and ends up with 6 or more animals in a residential home. Collectors soon find that they cannot afford to feed and adequately care for the animals, and the animals suffer. Please report any suspected animal collector to Bowling Green Police Animal Control.
Lost and Found Animals
All Bowling Green impounds are taken to the shelter, unless sick or injured. You may contact the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society:
Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society
1924 Louisville Road
P. O. Box 1456 (mailing address)
Bowling Green, KY 42102
Phone: 270-842-8572
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KY18.html
Sick or Injured Animals
Please contact the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society regarding sick or injured animals. If a sick or injured stray is found in Bowling Green call the Bowling Green Police Department and an officer will respond.
Wildlife
Kentucky is known for its abundance of wildlife. The presence of wildlife in your neighborhood may delight some citizens, but cause problems for others. Bowling Green Police Animal Control Officers are not authorized to handle nuisance wildlife problems but can evaluate and advise on the situation. If necessary, a nuisance wildlife control professional may be called to assist.
Removal of Animal Waste
It is the responsibility of the owner to remove animal waste deposited by the animal within the City on public walks, streets, cemeteries, parks, recreation areas or private property belonging to another.