Jonesboro, AR Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Under Sec. 10-48 of the Jonesboro Code of Ordinances, a dog does not need to be altered until the city's animal control department formally declares it "dangerous" following an investigation. Once that designation is made, subsection (b)(2) requires the owner or custodian to surrender the animal to an animal control officer within five working days for identification and sterilization procedures. The owner must pay for two clear color photographs documenting the animal's color and approximate size, implantation of a microchip by a licensed veterinarian, and the spay or neuter surgery itself.

This sits alongside other dangerous-dog controls in the same section: secure confinement in a locked pen at least five feet by 20 feet, muzzling and a leash no longer than four feet whenever the dog leaves confinement, and posted warning signs purchased from the animal control department. If the owner sells or transfers the dog, Sec. 10-48(c) requires notifying animal control within five working days with the new owner's contact information. Owners who contest a dangerous designation may appeal within ten days by requesting a hearing in the civil division of the county district court, and the department stays destruction of the animal pending that hearing, though the owner still pays impoundment costs. Violations of Sec. 00 for a third or subsequent offense, on top of any boarding, veterinary, or impoundment costs assessed against the owner.