Springdale, AR Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Springdale's path to a behavior-based ordinance was deliberate. In fall 2013 Alderman Mike Overton brought a pit-bull regulation proposal forward after a dog attack, and the City Council debated the issue through early 2014; Mayor Doug Sprouse and several council members concluded that breed-based bans were difficult to enforce and the council ultimately declined to adopt one (https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-to-school/springdale-discusses-vicious-dog-regulations/527-f37ceb00-f279-43ad-bd46-f3e1f1571aee). The Council instead amended Chapter 14 of the Springdale Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/ar/springdale/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH14AN to strengthen behavior-based rules. A vicious animal is defined as a dog or other animal that has bitten or attempted to bite a person, or caused serious injury to a domestic animal or livestock, without provocation. A potentially dangerous animal is one that has shown a tendency to attack without provocation. Owners of potentially dangerous animals must obtain an annual permit at a cost of $100, carry a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance for medical or veterinary costs from future incidents, and microchip the animal. Confinement, muzzling, and posted-warning requirements apply. Arkansas has no statewide BSL preemption, so a future Springdale Council could legally enact breed restrictions, but as of 2026 no such ordinance is in effect. Arkansas Code Annotated Section 5-62-125 imposes criminal liability on owners of dogs that attack and cause serious physical injury or death regardless of breed.