Sebastian County, AR Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 93.35(B), 2013
- Scope
- county parks only, not backyard keeping
- Livestock defined
- equine, bovine, ovine, porcine, ratite, rabbits, mink
- Poultry defined
- domesticated fowl and game birds
- Exception
- Midland Park day-use equine facility
Summary
Sebastian County Code § 93.35(B) bars livestock, exotic wild animals, and poultry from every county park. The county has no zoning code, so it does not otherwise regulate backyard chicken coops, flock size, or livestock on private land in the unincorporated area.
(B) No livestock, exotic wild animals, or poultry are allowed within Sebastian County Parks, unless that animal falls under the exemptions of this subchapter. ... LIVESTOCK. Any members of the equine, bovine, ovine, porcine, and ratite species, and confined domesticated hares, rabbits, and mink. POULTRY. All domesticated fowl and domesticated game birds which are kept in captivity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-62: 2026 S-62 contains Local legislation current through April 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
15: LIVESTOCK covers members of the equine, bovine, ovine, porcine, and ratite species, and confined domesticated hares, rabbits, and mink, while POULTRY covers all domesticated fowl and domesticated game birds kept in captivity, meaning backyard chickens, ducks, and similar birds. The rule is a parks-access restriction adopted by Ord. 2013-12 on June 18, 2013, not a general zoning or nuisance limit on keeping chickens or livestock on your own property; Sebastian County has no zoning code, so it does not regulate coop setbacks, flock size, or livestock density on private land in the unincorporated county the way an incorporated city's zoning ordinance might.
36. 38(C) can also bring livestock or poultry into a park temporarily with written approval from the Parks Administrator. Outside of parks and these narrow carve-outs, the code is silent on where or how many chickens, goats, or other livestock a resident may keep.
Violations & Fines
Sebastian County Code § 93.99(C) makes bringing livestock or poultry into a county park in violation of § 93.35(B) a Class C misdemeanor, with each animal counted as a separate offense; the owner must immediately remove the animal or have it taken into custody by animal control. The County Judge or any citizen may also sue to compel compliance and recover damages and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens on my property in unincorporated Sebastian County?
Is livestock allowed in Sebastian County parks?
Is there an exception for horses in county parks?
What's the penalty for bringing livestock into a county park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sebastian County
How Sebastian County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Sebastian County to another location·View the Arkansas animal ordinances overview
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