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Fort Smith, AR Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rule
No dogs or cats at large
Leash required
Outside a secure enclosure
TNR exception
Trappers aren't 'owners' under rule

Summary

Fort Smith makes it unlawful for a dog or cat to run at large; animals must be leashed and under control whenever they're outside a secure enclosure.

(a)It is unlawful for any owner of a dog or cat to allow his/her dog or cat to run at large within the city.(b)Dogs or cats must be on a leash and under the control of a person at all times when not in a secure enclosure as described in this chapter.(c)Persons who engage in the trap, neuter, and release process related to feral cats shall not be considered an owner for the purpose of this section. (Ord. No. 35-23, § 2, 3-21-2023)

State Law reference— Authority to prevent dogs from being at large, A.C.A. § 14-54-1102.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

City code prohibits owners from allowing a dog or cat to run at large anywhere in Fort Smith. Outside of a secure, fenced enclosure meeting the chapter's containment standards, a dog or cat must be on a leash and under the control of a person at all times. The section carves out one narrow exception: people who trap, neuter, and release feral cats aren't treated as the cat's owner for purposes of the leash requirement, so TNR work isn't penalized as an at-large violation.

Violations & Fines

Running at large is a citable offense; animal control may impound the dog or cat, and owners without a secure enclosure risk repeat citations and impoundment fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fort Smith require dogs to be on a leash?
Yes: outside a secure enclosure, dogs and cats must be leashed and under a person's control at all times.
What if I'm trapping a feral cat for spay/neuter?
You're not treated as the cat's owner for at-large purposes, so TNR trapping doesn't violate the leash law.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

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All Fort Smith rules

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