Sebastian County, AR Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

15, enacted by Ord. 2021-9 in 2021 and amended by Ord. 2023-24 in October 2023, does not restrict any specific dog breed; it defines VICIOUS ANIMAL by conduct. Any animal that inflicts unprovoked bites or attacks on human beings, canines, livestock or poultry qualifies, and an officer may also classify an animal as vicious if it approaches a person in a way that creates reasonable fear of unprovoked injury on a street, sidewalk, public ground or private property. Classification starts with probable cause built from a sworn written complaint, an officer's own report, or an officer's direct observation.

The finding must be in writing and served on the owner either by certified mail or personally. Once served, the owner has five business days to file a written appeal with the Sebastian County Judge, who must schedule and hold a hearing within five business days of receiving it; the Judge's ruling is the county's final decision, though a further appeal can go to a court of competent jurisdiction. If the owner does not appeal, the initial classification becomes final automatically. 15(4) bars the owner from letting the animal go unconfined on the property or leave the property unless it is securely leashed and humanely muzzled or otherwise securely restrained. 17(B) until an officer makes that determination.