Sebastian County, AR Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- §§ 93.15, 93.18, 93.35(B)
- Park rule
- no exotic wild animals in parks
- Enclosure standard
- escape-proof chain-link or padlocked cage
- Exemption
- licensed zoos, circuses, exhibitors
- Penalty
- Class A misdemeanor; Class C in parks
Summary
Sebastian County doesn't ban exotic or wild animal ownership outright, but Code § 93.15 defines them and § 93.18 requires escape-proof enclosures, chains or muzzles once public safety is at risk. Section 93.35(B) separately bars bringing any exotic wild animal into a county park.
EXOTIC WILD ANIMALS. Any snake or animal of a wild, ferocious, fierce, or dangerous species likely to create harm or threat of harm in any place other than zoological parks, aquariums, laboratories, circus, or other licensed exhibitory shows; or those not under the direct supervision of licensed commercial dealers, State Game and Fish Management Commissioners, Federal Wildlife Services or U.S. Department of Agriculture. ... When public safety requires additional protective measures the animal owner shall provide a protective barrier or other means such as properly fitted, heavy wire, nylon or leather muzzle which the animal cannot remove, together with a strong, durable chain which the animal cannot break or remove, or where such is appropriate, a strong cage with a padlock locked in place or a strong high chain link fence enclosure constructed so that the animal cannot climb, jump over, dig under or escape from the enclosure. If these measures are deemed insufficient then said animal shall be destroyed.
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 folds them into the same Vicious and Exotic Animals subchapter as dangerous dogs. EXOTIC WILD ANIMALS are defined as any snake or animal of a wild, ferocious, fierce, or dangerous species likely to create harm, unless it is kept at a zoological park, aquarium, laboratory, circus, or other licensed exhibitory show, or is under the direct supervision of a licensed commercial dealer, State Game and Fish Commissioner, Federal Wildlife Services agent, or USDA official. 18: appropriate chaining, warning signs, or an enclosure that reasonably precludes the possibility of inadvertent contact, and if public safety demands more, a heavy-wire or leather muzzle the animal cannot remove, a strong chain it cannot break, a padlocked cage, or a chain-link enclosure the animal cannot climb, jump, dig under, or escape.
18(C) allows the animal to be destroyed. 35(B) separately bars bringing any exotic wild animal into Sebastian County parks at all, alongside livestock and poultry. 26, as are the official activities of the State Game and Fish Commission, Federal Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA.
Violations & Fines
Sebastian County Code § 93.99(B) treats a violation of the exotic and vicious animal provisions in §§ 93.15 through 93.26 as a Class A misdemeanor, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Bringing an exotic wild animal into a county park violates § 93.35(B) and is a Class C misdemeanor under § 93.99(C). The County Judge or any citizen may also sue to compel compliance and recover damages, injunctive relief and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic or wild animal in Sebastian County?
Are exotic pets allowed in Sebastian County parks?
What enclosure does an exotic animal owner need?
Are zoos or circuses exempt from this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sebastian County
Compare Sebastian County to another location·View the Arkansas animal ordinances overview
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