How Many Dogs Can You Have in Arkansas?
While it may be tempting to adopt every friendly, fuzzy face you see, Arkansas law places restrictions on the number of canines you can add to your clan.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Municipalities in
Arkansas
generally limit dog ownership to 4 dogs per home. However, limits vary by area, so there may be specific guidelines for you to follow depending on where you reside.Although it may seem strange to place a limit on how many adorable pups we can bring into our homes, regulations are in place to ensure our Doodles and Dobermanns alike are getting the care they need. Before you start expanding your family of furry companions, you should be aware of the specific rules pertaining to dog ownership in the Wonder State.
To give you a breakdown of dog laws,
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Does Arkansas have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
There are limits to how many canines you can call your own in Arkansas. However, these limits are contingent on the city or municipality within which you reside, so be sure to check out the specific laws in your area.
To give you an idea of the types of restrictions you can expect, we’ll give you a breakdown of the dog-limiting laws in various cities:
- ForJacksonvilleandBentonvilleresidents, the magic number is four. It is against the law to own, keep, or harbor more than 4 dogs (and/or cats) over the age of 4 months
- InGreenwood, residents are permitted no more than 4 dogs, cats, wolves, wolf hybrids, or ferrets per household
- Little Rockresidents have a little more leeway and are permitted no more than 4 dogs and 4 cats per household unless the resident has a kennel permit
- InTexarkana, you can legally own 4 dogs. However, if your pups are less than 6 months old, you are allowed more. If they are older than 6 months, you will need a breeder’s license
Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Arkansas?
Arkansas has strict rules outlawing dog breeds, particularly Pitbulls. If you live in any of the following cities, you cannot legally own a Pitbull:
- Blevins
- Caraway
- Dardanelle(also bans American bulldogs)
- De Queen
- Gassville
- Osceola
- Ravenden, Rottweilers are also banned
- Russellvillebans pit mixed breeds as well
- Salem, Rottweilers are also banned
- Searcy, Rottweilers are also banned
- Shannon Hills, with exceptions
- Sherwood, American bulldogs are also banned
Arkansas does not have a dangerous dog statute. However, if a dog bites another person, its owner must notify public health authorities immediately.
MORE: Can You Get Pet Insurance for a Pet with Preexisting Conditions?
What are the leash laws in Arkansas?
While there are no statewide dog leash laws in Arkansas, certain municipalities, such as
Cabot
and Little Rock
, have adopted basic leash laws. These laws require that dogs be on a leash at all times and that the owner has control over the animal while outside the home.Under Arkansas law, municipalities also have the power to develop their own rules and regulations pertaining to:
- Dogs that are a threat to public health (i.e. dogs running at large without a rabies vaccination)
- Dogs that are an annoyance to animal control and animal shelters
- Dogs that have injured people or other domestic animals
Penalties for breaking dog laws in Arkansas
Similar to dog leash regulations, Arkansas has no statewide dog bite laws. However, the state does have laws regarding vicious dog attacks, or “Unlawful Dog Attack” regulations.
An incident can be classified under this regulation if the attack:
- Occurred with the knowledge that the dog was a danger to others (i.e. the attack was intentional)
- Resulted in serious injury or death of the attacked person
The penalties for an incident of this nature would include a Class A misdemeanor, along with compensation or restitution payments to the attacked person.
On the other hand, if an attack occurs without any prior incidents of dangerous behavior, Arkansas law would require the dog to be confined by health authorities and assessed for rabies.
Keep in mind that it is against the law to not inform health authorities of dog bite incidents, for the owner to sell the dog after it has bitten a person, and for the dog to be moved to another location or disposed of before notifying health authorities.
Where to find affordable insurance in Arkansas
While your dog may be a walking, barking alarm system, it’s still a good idea to protect you and your furry companion with
homeowners insurance
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The average Jerry user saves over $800 per year! With savings like that, you’ll be able to give your dog the care they need.
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