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

Garland County Code § 10-18 defines a high-risk breed as a 'gripper breed', chiefly pit bull-type dogs (American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier) and any mixed-breed dog with their primary characteristics, plus Dogo Argentino, Perro de Presa Canario and Cane Corso types under the Sec. 10-16 definitions. On the owner's own property the dog must stay confined indoors, in a secure fenced yard, or in a locked pen or dog run; it cannot roam loose in a way that would let it reach a neighbor's property or the public right-of-way.

Off the property, it must be on a leash rated at least 300 pounds tensile strength and no longer than six feet, handled at all times by a person capable of controlling it. A high-risk breed dog picked up running at large is surrendered immediately to the animal control authority and the owner is cited into district court. If the court finds the confinement was inadequate, the dog is reclassified as vicious/nuisance under Sec. 5 by 12 inches, and immediate Sheriff's Office notification if the dog escapes or bites.

A dog that bites while unconfined is surrendered for state-lab rabies testing, and the owner must prove current vaccination in court. During a trial delay, a judge may release the dog on a $500 compliance bond payable to district court, forfeited if confinement rules are broken again. Failing to produce compliance proof within 30 days after a court-ordered return lets animal control declare the dog abandoned and euthanize it without further cause.