Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ar-dog-consolidated-dog-laws
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 00:23:31+00:00

Document:
Full Statute Name: West's Arkansas Code Annotated. Title 20. Public Health and Welfare. Subtitle 2. Health and Safety (Chapters 6 to 44). Chapter 19. Animals.; West's Arkansas Code Annotated. Title 20. Public Health and Welfare. Subtitle 2. Health and Safety. Chapter 19. Animals.
Title 20. Public Health and Welfare. Subtitle 2. Health and Safety. Chapter 19. Animals.
20-19-102. Injuries to domesticated animals by dogs--Definition.
20-19-103. Sterilization of impounded dogs and cats.
Subchapter 2. Rabies Vaccinations Generally.
Subchapter 3. Rabies Control Act.
20-19-303. Power of political subdivisions not limited - Applicability.
20-19-305. Vaccination for dogs and cats required.
20-19-306. Illegal acts when person bitten.
20-19-307. Confinement of animal when person bitten.
20-19-308. Shipment of head of animal suspected of being rabid to laboratory.
20-19-310. Authority to impose additional measures.
20-19-311. Administration by Director of Department of Health.
20-19-312. State Board of Health's authority to regulate.
Subchapter 4. Ownership and Breeding of Wolves and Wolf-Dog Hybrids.
20-19-404. Confinement - Care - Inspections.
20-19-405. Entry into the state.
Link to law that allows municipalities to regulate dogs at large.
Title 2. Agriculture. Subtitle 3. Livestock. Chapter 40. Control of Contagious Diseases.
Title 2. Agriculture. Subtitle 3. Livestock (Chapters 32 to 40). Chapter 39. Fences.
Title 15. Natural Resources and Economic Development. Subtitle 4. Wildlife Resources (Chapters 40 to 54). Chapter 41. Administration and Enforcement of Wildlife Regulations. Subchapter 1. Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission.
Link to Chapter 97. Retail Pet Stores.
(a) The General Assembly finds and declares that humane societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals organized under the laws of this state now or hereinafter in effect are public organizations necessary to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizenry of this state and are discharging a government function.
(b) The General Assembly finds and declares that the appropriation of public funds for the use of humane societies in the maintenance and operation of shelters for stray, diseased, neglected, and other animals and in the protection of the public from disease among such animals is a public use of the funds in the discharge of a government function.
Acts of 1939, Act 44, §§ 1, 2.
(a)(1) As used in this section, “domesticated animals” includes, but is not limited to, sheep, goats, cattle, swine, and poultry.
(2) A person owning or having in possession or under control a dog is liable for damages to the owner or owners of a domesticated animal killed or injured by the dog for the full value of the domesticated animal killed or injured.
(b)(1) A person engaged in raising domesticated animals or owning domesticated animals who sustains a loss or damage to any of his or her domesticated animals by a dog has a right of action against the owner, possessor, or controller of the dog.
(2) A person knowing that a dog has killed or is about to catch, injure, or kill a domesticated animal has the right to kill the dog, without liability to the owner of the dog.
(c) The person sustaining loss or damage under subsection (b) of this section and desiring remuneration may go before the circuit court or district court having jurisdiction where the loss or damage occurred and allege the loss or damage sustained, the value of the loss or damage, and the identity of the dog and the dog's owner, possessor, or controller by filing a complaint with the circuit court or district court having jurisdiction as permitted by the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, which under the rules may issue a summons to the defendant to appear in the circuit court or district court having jurisdiction and answer the allegations.
Acts of 1887, Act 136, §§ 1 to 4, p. 235; Acts of 1917, Act 155, §§ 1, 2; Acts of 1987, Act 393, §§ 1, 2; Acts of 2017, Act 299, § 4, eff. Aug. 1, 2017.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any pound, shelter, humane organization, or animal rescue group to release any dog or cat which has not been sterilized to a new owner except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)(1) In any county in the state, it shall be unlawful for any pound, shelter, humane organization, or animal rescue group to release to a new owner any dog or cat over three (3) months of age which has not been sterilized except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section.
(2)(A) An animal which in the opinion of a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Arkansas is medically compromised to the extent that it cannot withstand immediate sterilization may be temporarily released pursuant to a foster care agreement until such time as it can safely be sterilized or until two (2) veterinarians licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Arkansas certify that is unlikely that the animal will ever recover to the extent that it can safely be sterilized.
(B)(i) At that time, ownership of the animal may be transferred to an owner who certifies that the animal will not be used for breeding.
(ii) An owner who violates the agreement shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsection (c) of this section.
(c) Violations of this section are declared to be misdemeanors punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
Acts of 1981, Act 869, §§ 1, 2; Acts of 1995, Act 839, § 1; Acts of 1999, Act 488, § 2, eff. July 30, 1999; Acts of 2011, Act 994, § 1, eff. July 27, 2011.
(a) The Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services shall establish a voluntary certification program for animal control officers, animal shelters, and other humane society counterparts.
(b) The certification shall be based upon courses recommended by the National Animal Control Association or its equivalent.
(c) Certification of animal shelters shall be based upon compliance with shelter standards published by the Humane Society of the United States.
(d) Training shall be administered by the Arkansas Animal Control Association in cooperation with the division and utilizing qualified experts, including, but not limited to, licensed veterinarians and persons holding professional registrations or certifications in the appropriate areas of expertise.
Acts of 2001, Act 1663, § 1, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
This subchapter shall be known as the “Rabies Control Act”.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 1.
(6) “Vaccination against rabies” means the injection, subcutaneously or otherwise, of antirabic vaccine, as approved by the United States Department of Agriculture or the State Board of Health and administered by a licensed veterinarian or agent of the Department of Health.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 2; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 1; Acts of 2009, Act 159, § 2, eff. July 31, 2009; Acts of 2011, Act 93, § 1, eff. July 27, 2011.
(a) This subchapter does not limit in any manner the power of any municipality or political subdivision to prohibit dogs or cats or other animals from running at large whether or not they have been vaccinated against rabies as provided in this subchapter.
(b) This subchapter does not limit in any manner the power of any municipality or other political subdivision to further control and regulate dogs or cats or other animals in such municipality or political subdivision.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 7; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 5; Acts of 2009, Act 159, § 3, eff. July 31, 2009.
(D) Refusing to produce for inoculation against rabies any dog or cat in his or her possession.
(2) Upon conviction, the person shall be fined not less than five dollars ($5.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each offense.
(b) Any dog or cat termed a stray that is not vaccinated against rabies is subject to destruction.
(c)(1) Any officers failing, refusing, or neglecting to carry out the provisions of this subchapter shall be guilty of a violation.
(2) Upon conviction, the officer shall be fined in any sum not less than five dollars ($5.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each offense.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, §§ 5, 9; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 4; Acts of 2005, Act 1994, § 115, eff. Aug. 12, 2005.
All dogs, cats, and other animals shall be vaccinated against rabies as required by the State Board of Health.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 2; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 1; Acts of 2009, Act 159, § 4, eff. July 31, 2009; Acts of 2011, Act 93, § 2, eff. July 27, 2011.
(a) It is unlawful for any person bitten, the family, treating physician, or veterinarian that has knowledge of a person bitten by a dog or cat or other animal to refuse to notify the health authorities promptly.
(b) It is unlawful for the owner of the dog or cat or other animal to sell, give away, transfer, transport to another area, or otherwise dispose of the dog or cat or other animal that is known to have bitten a person until it is released by the health authorities.
(c)(1) It is unlawful for the owner of the dog or cat or other animal to refuse or fail to comply with the written or printed instructions of the health authorities in any particular case.
(2)(A) The written instructions shall be delivered in person by health authorities or their authorized agent.
(B) If instructions cannot be delivered in person, they shall be mailed by regular mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to the owner of the dog or cat or other animal.
(C) The affidavit or testimony of the health authorities or their authorized agent, who delivered or mailed such instructions, shall be prima facie evidence of the receipt of the instructions by the owner of the dog or cat or other animal.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 3; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 2.
(a)(1) Whenever the health authorities, county sheriff's office, or municipal police officers in cooperation with health authorities receive information that any person has been bitten by a dog or cat or other animal, these local public officials acting in cooperation shall have the dog or other animal confined and observed.
(2) If there is no local facility available for confining the dog or cat or other animal, it shall be the owner's responsibility to make satisfactory arrangements or to prepare a facility for the purpose of confinement.
(b)(1) The offending dog or cat shall be confined for a period of ten (10) days by a veterinarian or owner or public pound.
(2)(A) All other species of animals are to be confined and observed for rabies in the same manner, except the time element will vary so as to compensate for the difference in the incubation period of the disease.
(B) This adjusted time element is to be determined by consultation with the Department of Health.
(C) If there is no known incubation period, the animal may be euthanized and tested at the discretion of the department.
(3) The veterinarian, owner, or public pound management personnel shall notify the local public health authorities of the disposition of the dog or animal at the termination of the confinement.
(c)(1) Any confinement and observation expense incurred in the handling of any dog or cat or other animal under this subchapter shall be borne by the owner.
(2) If the dog or cat or other animal is a stray and has no owner, the confinement and observation expense shall be borne by the person bitten or, if a minor, by the head of the family.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 3; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 2; Acts of 2009, Act 159, § 5, eff. July 31, 2009.
Any person causing the death of an animal, either wild or domesticated, suspected of being rabid shall cause the head of the animal to be presented to a county health unit of the county in which the animal was killed.
Acts of 1953, Act 238, § 1; Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 6; Acts of 2005, Act 1994, § 116, eff. Aug. 12, 2005; Acts of 2009, Act 159, § 6, eff. July 31, 2009.
(a)(1) The Director of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services shall place certain areas under a rabies quarantine upon request of proper local officials.
(2) In serious situations, the director may place the area under quarantine without waiting for a local request.
(b) The occurrence of three (3) or more positive rabies cases in animals shall be sufficient basis for placing areas under quarantine.
(c) The positive rabies cases shall be laboratory-confirmed by the State Public Health Laboratory of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services or any other laboratory acceptable to or approved by the director.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 4; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 3.
(3) That other measures, in addition to annual vaccination against rabies, that may be necessary to control the spread of rabies in dogs, cats, and other animals be carried out.
The Director of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services or his or her official representative shall have the responsibility for carrying out the provisions of this subchapter.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 2; Acts of 1975, Act 725, § 1.
(a) The State Board of Health shall adopt rules necessary to carry out t [FN1] this subchapter, with subsequent amendments as needed.
(b) The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission may adopt rules as are necessary pertaining to dogs and cats transported or moved into Arkansas for any purpose.
Acts of 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), Act 11, § 8; Acts of 2011, Act 93, § 3, eff. July 27, 2011.
(6) Due to the neglect and irresponsibility of their owners, some wolves and wolf-dog hybrids could pose a threat to public safety in this state.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 1, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
As used in this subchapter, “wolf-dog hybrid” means any animal which is publicly acknowledged by its owner as being the offspring of a wolf and domestic dog. No animal may be judged to be a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid based strictly on its appearance.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 2, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
(a) Owners of wolves and wolf-dog hybrids shall maintain all health records of each wolf and wolf-dog hybrid, including health certificates, records of immunization, and any other documentary evidence pertaining to the health and welfare of the animal.
(b) The owner shall maintain records of acquisitions and disposals of wolf-dog hybrids, including the name and address of the person with whom a transaction is conducted, with entries being made on the day of the transaction.
(c) Records shall be available for inspection by law enforcement personnel at reasonable hours.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 3, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
(a) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids shall be provided adequate confinement and adequate feeding.
(3) No more than four (4) total of wolves or wolf-dog hybrids, or both, per acre.
(c) Adequate confinement shall not include tethering of a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid not under the direct supervision and control of the owner or custodian.
(d)(1) Adequate feeding shall include daily feedings and provisions of water.
(2) The feed used shall consist of a minimum meat-based protein content of twenty-five percent (25%) and crude fat of fifteen percent (15%), with exceptions for geriatric and overweight animals or under the advice of a licensed veterinarian.
(e) Owners and custodians of wolves and wolf-dog hybrids shall allow inspections by law enforcement personnel at reasonable hours to ensure adequate confinement and adequate feeding.
(f) This section applies only to owners of four (4) or more adult wolf-dog hybrids or wolves, animals one (1) year of age or older.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 4, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
(a) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids may enter into this state only if each animal is accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection indicating that the animal is free from disease or exposure to infectious or contagious disease.
(b) No animals from rabies-quarantined areas shall be admitted into this state.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 5, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
(a) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine approved for dog use, and a rabies certificate may be issued.
(b) Veterinarians shall inform the owner of the wolf or wolf-dog hybrid, preferably in writing, that the vaccination is considered “off label” and that protection against rabies is not guaranteed.
(4) The division has the authority to order the quarantine of an animal determined to be a very low risk for the transmission of rabies for a thirty-day observation period as an alternate method to euthanasia and testing.
(d) Owners shall be notified and given three (3) business days to provide proof to the division in their animal's defense before the animal can be euthanized.
(e) If in the future the United States Department of Agriculture approves the use of rabies vaccines in wolves or wolf-dog hybrids, or both, then wolves and wolf-dog hybrids will fall under the same regulations as dogs regarding biting humans and rabies control.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 6, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
(a) If a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid bites a person or injures or destroys another animal while out of its confined area, the person responsible for the adequate confinement of the animal upon conviction shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(b) If a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid is not adequately confined or fed, the person responsible for adequate confinement or adequate feeding of the animal, or both adequate feeding and adequate confinement upon conviction shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) A person who abandons or releases a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid into the wild upon conviction shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 7, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit local regulation of the ownership, breeding, confinement, or feeding of wolves or wolf-dog hybrids.
Acts of 2001, Act 1768, § 8, eff. Aug. 13, 2001.
Title 2. Agriculture. Subtitle 3. Livestock. Chapter 40. Control of Contagious Diseases .
(C) Immediately test all other sexually intact dogs on the premises for canine brucellosis.
(2) If the owner is unknown, then the person having custody of the dog shall comply with this section.
(3) The sale or adoption of sexually intact dogs from a positive premises is prohibited.
(b) A person who violates this section is subject to an administrative penalty.
Acts of 2003, Act 1771, § 1, eff. July 16, 2003; Acts of 2017, Act 1011, § 45, eff. Aug. 1, 2017.
If any person damaged for the want of a sufficient fence shall hurt, wound, lame, or kill, or cause the same thing to be done by shooting, hunting with a dog, or otherwise, any animal mentioned in this chapter, with the exception of a feral hog, the person shall be liable to the owner of the animal for double damages, with costs.
Acts of 1999, Act 457, § 2, eff. July 30, 1999.
The General Assembly declares that any employee of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission enforcing or attempting to enforce the existing regulations of the commission with respect to dogs running at large shall immediately, upon conviction thereof, be discharged from employment and shall be ineligible for reemployment by the commission. In addition, any employee or official of the commission attempting to enforce such regulation in violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisoned in the county jail not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days, or be both so fined and imprisoned. Each violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable accordingly.
Acts of 1969, Act 367, § 2.
(2) Fails to post or to advertise such dog by posting notices in five (5) public places or by advertising the dog for one (1) publication in a newspaper having a bona fide circulation of five hundred (500) or more subscribers in this state.
(b) Any person who conceals or attempts to conceal a dog from the owner of such dog as herein prescribed at any hunting camp or elsewhere shall be guilty of an attempt to steal such dog.
(c) On recovery of a licensed dog by its owner, the owner shall pay to the party responsible for recovery all costs of posting or advertising the dog. This fee shall not exceed twenty-five cents (25¢) per day for care and feeding of the dog recovered under provisions of this section.
(d) Any person found guilty of stealing or attempting to steal any licensed dog commits a felony theft and shall be punished as prescribed by law.
Acts of 1943, Act 146, § 9; Acts of 1951, Act 380, §§ 1 to 4; Acts of 1975, Act 928, §§ 18, 19.
(3) Attempts to cause physical contact that is of a nature likely to cause physical injury to, any animal owned by or used by a law enforcement agency or any search and rescue dog upon conviction is guilty of a Class D felony.
(b) A person who purposely interferes with or obstructs an animal owned by or used by a law enforcement agency or a search and rescue dog used by a law enforcement officer in the discharge or attempted discharge of his or her duties upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(5) Trained to assist in the apprehension of persons alleged to have violated any law.
(d) A person guilty of violating this section is also required to make restitution to the law enforcement agency or owner of the animal that suffered a loss due to the violation, including without limitation reimbursement for veterinary bills, and the replacement cost of the animal if the animal is permanently disabled or killed as a result of the violation.
Acts of 1985, Act 446, §§ 1, 2; Acts of 1987, Act 884, § 1; Acts of 1999, Act 571, § 1, eff. July 30, 1999; Acts of 2009, Act 530, § 1, eff. July 31, 2009.

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