Warren County magistrates give final approval to ordinance
Published 10:38 am Monday, October 19, 2026
Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman introduces to magistrates the second reading of the county’s animal ordinance on Thursday.
(JACK DOBBS / Daily News)
A first-of-its-kind animal control ordinance is now official across Warren County after fiscal court magistrates on Thursday gave final approval to the measure, one that aims to cut down on nuisance animals in residential areas.
“We think that’s a protection ordinance for the community and for citizens of subdivisions in the county,” Judge-Executive Doug Gorman said.
Thursday’s approval is the culmination of a six-month process to begin regulations surrounding animals and animal ownership.
It states that all domestic animals kept in the county must be provided with “minimum care” by their owners, including access to food, water, shelter and veterinary care when needed.
Owning roosters or other crowing birds within areas not zoned for agriculture is outlawed, and restrictions are in place on owning animals that pose a nuisance to residents.
Nuisances under the ordinance include dogs that chase, jump on or bark at pedestrians, animals that are not vaccinated against rabies, and animals that damage property.
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Any animals that bite people may be subject to impoundment.
The ordinance also makes it illegal to keep animals inside parked cars in a way that could harm them and county animal control officers have the authority to free animals inside cars “under reasonable means.”
Sarah Bessinger, assistant Warren County Attorney, told the Daily News that the ordinance uses a “complaint-driven” model, meaning officers will respond to individual instances instead of patrolling.
“If somebody in an area where the ordinance affects has a complaint to make, they can make that complaint to the animal control officers or the (Warren County Sheriff’s Office), and the sheriff will investigate,” she said.
A fine structure is outlined in the ordinance as well. A fine of $100 is in place for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for third or more offenses.
Bessinger said focus was given to making the ordinance “agriculture-friendly,” and officials have said in the past that the ordinance is focused primarily on subdivisions.
Animal control regulations already existed in the City of Bowling Green.
“This really just brings us in line with what’s already happening in the city,” Bessinger said. “People who live in subdivisions that are fully in the county had the same expectations as people who live in the city, so we’ve now given them that benefit.”
About Jack Dobbs
Jack covers city government for the Daily News. Originally from Simpson County, he attended Western Kentucky University and graduated in 2022 with a degree in journalism.
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