Arkansas dog laws: leash, licensing, bites and breed rules

Arkansas state law on dogs is thin. It covers rabies, a few liability rules and the criminal law on cruelty and dog attacks, and it leaves most everyday rules to cities and counties. This summary is general information about state law and is not legal advice. Reviewed November 2026.

Leashes and licensing

There is no statewide leash law and no general statewide dog licence. The Rabies Control Act says plainly that it does not limit any city or other political subdivision from prohibiting dogs, cats or other animals from running at large, whether or not they are vaccinated, or from controlling and regulating them further. During a rabies threat, a local government may require animals to be confined in an enclosure, or muzzled and held on a leash made of chain, wire, rope or cable.

One state rule does apply to roaming dogs: the owner of a dog that kills or injures livestock, such as sheep, goats, cattle, swine or poultry, is liable for the full value of the animal, and a court may award treble damages. A person who knows a dog has killed or is about to attack livestock may kill the dog without liability.

Rabies vaccination

State law requires all dogs, cats and other animals to be vaccinated against rabies as the State Board of Health directs. The vaccine must be given by a licensed veterinarian, a veterinary technician or technologist, or a Department of Health agent. A violation of the act is fined $5 to $25 per offense, and an unvaccinated stray dog can be destroyed.

When a dog bites a person, health officials, the sheriff or police arrange for the dog to be confined and observed if it has no current vaccination or its status is unknown. If the dog has current vaccination and the owner can prove it, the owner may confine and observe it. The confinement lasts ten days and the owner pays the cost. Anyone who knows of a bite, including the victim's family, a doctor or a veterinarian, must tell the health authorities promptly. The owner may not sell, give away or move the dog until health authorities release it.

Dangerous dogs and bites

Arkansas has a criminal offense called unlawful dog attack. It applies when a person owns a dog that the person knows or has reason to know has a propensity to attack or endanger others without provocation, negligently allows it to attack, and the attack causes death or serious physical injury. It is a Class A misdemeanor, and the court or jury may order the owner to pay the victim's medical bills.

For civil claims there is no bite statute. Courts apply the old one-bite rule, under which an owner can be liable if the dog had shown dangerous behavior and the owner knew, and ordinary negligence, such as letting a dog roam loose where it could injure someone.

Breed-specific rules

State law has no breed ban and no rule on whether cities may regulate by breed. Any breed rule you meet will be local.

Tethering and hot cars

There is no statewide tethering law and no state statute specific to animals left in vehicles. The general cruelty law prohibits cruel mistreatment and failing to provide enough food and water, and it also bars carrying an animal in a vehicle or boat in a cruel or inhumane manner. Torturing a dog, cat or horse is a felony.

Where to check your local rule

Cities and counties often have stricter leash, licence, number-of-dogs and breed rules than the state. Check your city or county animal control website or ordinance code. If your dog has bitten someone or has been reported, talk to a lawyer or the animal-control office.