Little Rock, AR Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered breeds
- Pit bull, Staffordshire, Am. Staffordshire, mixes
- Permit
- Annual, fee set by city manager
- Max per residence
- 2 dogs
- Required
- Microchip, sterilization, rabies shot
- Appeal window
- 5 days to request hearing
Summary
Little Rock classifies pit bulls as a potentially dangerous breed and requires an annual permit, microchip, and sterilization to keep one in city limits.
A potentially dangerous breed shall include the following: (i) A pit bull, which is defined as any dog that is an American pit bull terrier, a Staffordshire terrier, or American Staffordshire terrier, and any dog of mixed breeding that has the primary characteristics of an American pit bull terrier, a Staffordshire terrier, or an American Staffordshire terrier... The number of potentially dangerous breed dogs kept, maintained or harbored at one residence shall not exceed two (2).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6-19 defines pit bulls (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and mixes with their primary characteristics) as a potentially dangerous breed. Owners must register annually with Animal Services, pay a permit fee, get a window sticker, microchip and sterilize the dog, and post it on file. No more than two potentially dangerous breed dogs are allowed per residence, and the dog must be confined indoors or in an adequate fenced enclosure, muzzled and leashed by an adult when off the property.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an unregistered pit bull, missing permit conditions, or exceeding the two-dog limit is a Chapter 6 violation; noncompliance can bring a citation and a warrant to seize the dog. A second cruelty conviction revokes the permit and bars registering another potentially dangerous breed for 2 years (10 years for a cruelty conviction).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in Little Rock?
How many pit bulls can I keep in Little Rock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
How Little Rock compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Little Rock to another location·View the Arkansas animal ordinances overview
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