Fort Smith Code of Ordinances Section 4-56 (At-large dog or cat) prohibits owners from allowing dogs or cats to be at large within the city — animals must be on a leash and under the owner's control whenever outside a secure enclosure. The 2023 animal ordinance overhaul (Section 4-108) also requires all dogs and cats to be microchipped and spayed or neutered unless continuously secured. Violations of Section 4-56 carry a maximum fine of $250 per occurrence, and Fort Smith Animal Services handles impoundment.
Fort Smith's leash rule sits at Section 4-56 of the Code of Ordinances (Chapter 4, Article III, Division 1 — at https://library.municode.com/ar/fort_smith/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH4AN). The rule prohibits any owner from permitting a dog or cat to be at large; animals must be on a leash and under physical control whenever outside a secure building, yard, or enclosure. Limited exceptions exist for law-enforcement K-9s, lawful hunts, and dogs in designated dog-friendly park areas where the owner remains present. The City strengthened its overall animal framework on July 17, 2023 by adopting Section 4-108 (https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ARFORTSMITH/bulletins/361de3a), which requires every dog and cat kept as a pet within the city limits to be (a) microchipped with the owner's contact information and (b) spayed or neutered, unless the animal is continuously secured on a leash or within an enclosed building, yard, or enclosure. A secondary collar-and-tag ID is also required. Violators have 15 days to comply after a citation before charges are filed. Arkansas rabies vaccination requirements apply separately under the Arkansas Rabies Control Act at A.C.A. Section 20-19-301 et seq., enforced by the Arkansas State Board of Health. Fort Smith Animal Services (a unit of the Police Department) handles impoundment and field response at 479-783-6833; sheltering is coordinated with HOPE Humane Society (formerly Sebastian County Humane Society) at 3800 Kelley Highway, 479-783-4395.
Section 4-56 violations are punishable by a fine of up to $250 per occurrence, with each separate at-large incident counted as a separate violation. Impounded animals incur sheltering, reclaim, and (under Section 4-108) sterilization fees before release. Failure to microchip or spay/neuter after the 15-day cure period triggers additional citations. Failure to maintain current rabies vaccination violates A.C.A. Section 20-19-301 et seq. and is enforced by the Arkansas State Board of Health alongside local Animal Services.
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