How Springdale Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Springdale maintains 87 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Springdale falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

Springdale bans keeping cows, goats, horses, sheep, or other hoofed animals anywhere except on land zoned A-1 (agricultural), and even A-1 land loses that right once it sits inside a platted subdivision.

Key details: Allowed zone: A-1 (agricultural) only. Platted subdivisions: livestock banned even if zoned A-1. Grandfather clause: lost after 6-month discontinuance. Applies to: cows, goats, horses, sheep, hoofed animals.

General chapter penalties apply: a conviction is punishable under Sec. 1-9 of the Code of Ordinances, with each day of unlawful livestock-keeping counted as a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Springdale actively enforces its chickens & livestock requirements.

Pet Limits

In Springdale, Arkansas, keeping more than five pets over four months old on one property makes it an 'animal shelter or kennel' under the zoning code, triggering kennel-zone and licensing requirements instead of by-right residential use.

Key details: Threshold: more than 5 animals over 4 months old. Trigger: reclassified as kennel/animal shelter use. Kennels need: zoning authorization plus business license. Max fine: $1,000 per violation, $500/day continuing.

Operating an unlicensed kennel use is punishable under Springdale Code § 130 Art. 10 (fine up to $1,000, or $500/day continuing) and can trigger denial or revocation of the business license required under § 14-15.

Pet Store Rules

Springdale does not ban retail pet sales or require adoption-only stores: instead it conditions a pet shop's business license on minimum sanitation, temperature, water, and cage-size standards under the animal code.

Key details: Retail dog/cat sale: permitted, not banned. License risk: denial or revocation for violations. Cage rule: room to stand, turn, stretch fully. Definition trigger: 2+ species sold as pets.

Failing to meet the sanitation, temperature, or cage-size standards is grounds for the city to deny or revoke the pet shop's business license under § 14-16(b).

Dog Leash Laws

Springdale bans letting any dog run at large within city limits and prohibits direct-point chaining, requiring a trolley/cable-run system with strict minimum specs for outdoor tethering.

Key details: Running at large: prohibited citywide outside A-1 land. Tethering: direct chaining banned; trolley system required. Cable run: 10 ft minimum, 4-7 ft high. First fine: $50 minimum, rising per offense. Collars: choke/pinch collars barred for tethering.

First conviction for running at large costs a $50.00 minimum fine, rising to $75.00 for a second and $100.00 for a third within three years, under Sec. 14-2(d).

Breed Restrictions

Springdale has no breed-specific ban: a dog or other animal is declared 'potentially dangerous' by behavior alone, and its owner must then obtain an annual permit, $50,000 liability insurance, and secure confinement.

Key details: Basis for designation: behavior, not breed. Annual permit fee: $100.00. Liability insurance: $50,000 minimum, within 7 days. Confinement: indoors or locked 150-sq-ft pen. Fine: $500 per day + possible euthanasia.

Violating the permit, confinement, or leash/muzzle conditions triggers immediate seizure and impoundment; a conviction carries a $500-per-day fine, and the court may order the animal euthanized.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Springdale actively enforces its breed restrictions requirements.

Exotic Pets

Springdale prohibits keeping, maintaining, selling, or possessing poisonous reptiles, snakes, apes, bears, big cats, hyenas, wolves, and other dangerous or carnivorous wild animals anywhere in the city, with narrow exceptions for approved events, clinics, and transport.

Key details: Banned species: apes, bears, big cats, wolves, all snakes. List scope: illustrative, not exhaustive. Exceptions: council-approved events, vet clinics, transit. Enforcement: police & Animal Services Division.

Violators face seizure and impoundment; the court may order the animal removed from the city or euthanized, plus fines and costs under the chapter's general penalty section.

This is one of the stricter rules in Springdale's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Springdale has no citywide mandatory spay/neuter law, but any dog or other animal formally designated 'potentially dangerous' under the animal code must be spayed or neutered within 14 days of that designation.

Key details: Trigger: potentially-dangerous-animal designation. Deadline: spay/neuter within 14 days. General pet population: no citywide spay/neuter mandate. Penalty tie-in: §14-39(3): $500/day, impoundment.

Missing the 14-day sterilization deadline falls under Sec. 14-39(3)'s general violation provisions: immediate seizure and impoundment, a $500-per-day fine, and possible court-ordered euthanasia.

The Bottom Line

Springdale is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Springdale, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Springdale's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.