STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County residents will see new clarity and some eased penalties under an updated animal control ordinance approved by Barren County Fiscal Court on Feb. 17, 2026.
County officials revised several sections after questions and concerns were raised about the first reading of the ordinance. Under the Animals Running at Large section, the phrase attacking people was removed because those situations are already addressed under the separate harboring a vicious animal provision.
Language was added to state that fines apply upon conviction, making clear that penalties take effect only when a case goes to court. The ordinance now allows a defendant facing a first offense to choose a pre-payable fine at the Glasgow Police Department rather than appearing in court, and that option will not create a court record. Defendants still retain the option to contest the case in court. A previous requirement for mandatory jail time on a fourth or subsequent offense was deleted.
For livestock running at large, the amended ordinance states that an owner is not in violation if they were unaware of fence damage that allowed livestock to escape. As with other sections, fines in this area apply upon conviction, and first-time offenders may choose to pay a pre-payable fine instead of going to court.
The nuisance provisions were also revised. The updated ordinance adds a clear definition for neighborhood in complaints involving excessive barking that disturbs the peace and enjoyment of another neighbor’s property. One subsection was deleted because of possible vagueness, and the fines section now specifies upon conviction. Jail penalties under the nuisance section were removed, while fines remain in place.
County officials also emphasized a key distinction: the nuisance ordinance does not apply to livestock. Animals covered by the nuisance section are defined in a way that specifically excludes livestock, which are governed under their own provisions in the ordinance.
Key Facts:
• Barren County Fiscal Court passed an updated animal control ordinance on Feb. 17, 2026.
• Changes clarify that fines apply only upon conviction in court. • First-time offenders in some cases can choose to pay a fine instead of going to court, with no court record.
• Mandatory jail penalties for some repeat offenses were removed, with fines remaining. • Nuisance animal rules now include a clearer definition of neighborhood for barking complaints.
• Livestock running at large is addressed separately, and the nuisance rules do not apply to livestock.
County officials are expected to use the updated ordinance language as they respond to complaints and enforce animal control rules going forward. Residents with questions may want to review the full ordinance text from Barren County Fiscal Court or contact county officials for clarification on how the changes apply to their specific situations.
