Animal Ordinances in Springdale, AR (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Springdale, Arkansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Springdale regulates fowl and livestock under Chapter 14 (Animals) of the Springdale Municipal Code. The City prohibits any fowl, including chickens, from running at large within city limits. Chickens and other fowl are allowed only on properties located in the A-1 (Agricultural) zoning district under the Springdale Zoning Code at Chapter 130. A critical limitation applies: no fowl may be kept in a platted subdivision, even if that subdivision happens to be zoned A-1. Questions go to the Springdale Animal Services Division at (479) 750-8114.
Springdale AR Chickens, Fowl and Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Springdale Municipal Code Chapter 14 (Animals) requires dogs to be under the physical control of a person when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by Springdale Animal Services. A narrow exception in the Code allows dogs to run at large on the property of the animal's owner only where that property is located in a non-platted A-1 (Agricultural) zone. Every dog must be current on rabies vaccination under Arkansas Code Annotated Section 20-19-303. Springdale Animal Services is located at 1549 E. Don Tyson Parkway, (479) 750-8114.
Springdale AR Dog Leash and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Springdale has no breed-specific legislation. After publicly debating a pit bull regulation in 2013-2014, the Springdale City Council declined to enact a breed ban and instead strengthened its behavior-based vicious and potentially dangerous animal rules in Chapter 14 of the Springdale Municipal Code. Arkansas has no statewide preemption of breed-specific legislation - cities can still adopt breed restrictions - but as of 2026 Springdale regulates dogs by individual behavior. Owners of dogs adjudicated potentially dangerous must obtain an annual $100 permit, $50,000 liability insurance, and a microchip.
Springdale AR Breed Restrictions (No BSL - Behavior-Based Rules)
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Springdale does not maintain a stand-alone beekeeping chapter. Apiaries are regulated through the Springdale Zoning Code at Chapter 130, which treats beekeeping as an agricultural use compatible with the A-1 (Agricultural) district, and through Chapter 14 (Animals) general nuisance provisions where hives create a nuisance. Statewide, the Arkansas Bee Law at Arkansas Code Annotated Sections 2-22-101 through 2-22-112 requires beekeepers to register their apiary locations with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and prohibits establishing a new apiary within three miles of an existing registered apiary without consent.
Springdale AR Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Springdale regulates exotic and wild animals through Chapter 14 (Animals) general restraint, nuisance, and vicious-animal provisions, and the Springdale Zoning Code does not list exotic species as a customary residential accessory use. Statewide, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Captive Wildlife Regulations at AGFC Code 09 control possession of native and most exotic wildlife. Arkansas Code Annotated Sections 20-19-501 through 20-19-511 (Ownership and Possession of Large Carnivores) make it unlawful to acquire any new large carnivore - including big cats, bears, and most non-human primates - and bar new large-carnivore permits since 2005.
Springdale AR Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Springdale does not publish a stand-alone wildlife-feeding ordinance, but Chapter 14 (Animals) and Chapter 42 (Environment) general nuisance provisions allow Code Enforcement to cite residents whose feeding of deer, raccoons, or other wildlife creates a public-health or safety nuisance. The harder rule comes from the state: Washington County is inside the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone, where AGFC Code 07.06 prohibits placing food, salt, minerals, or other attractants for wildlife except for specific deer-hunting baiting windows on private land.
Springdale AR Wildlife Feeding
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Springdale addresses animal hoarding through Chapter 14 (Animals) nuisance and care provisions and through Arkansas state criminal cruelty statutes. Arkansas does not have a dedicated animal-hoarding criminal statute; hoarding conduct is prosecuted under Arkansas Code Annotated Section 5-62-103 (Cruelty to Animals - misdemeanor) and Section 5-62-104 (Aggravated Cruelty to a Dog, Cat, or Horse - Class D felony) where neglect rises to torture or causes serious injury or death. Springdale Animal Services investigates with the Springdale Police Department and refers cases to the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney.
Springdale AR Animal Hoarding
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Springdale Municipal Code Chapter 14 (Animals) does not publish a numeric cap on the total number of dogs or cats per household, and instead relies on rabies-vaccination, at-large, vicious-animal, and free-roaming-cat sterilization rules (including Section 14-37 requiring sterilization of free-roaming cats) plus general nuisance authority. Conditions that cross the line into neglect or hoarding escalate to charges under Arkansas Code Annotated Section 5-62-103 (Cruelty to Animals - Class A misdemeanor) and Section 5-62-104 (Aggravated Cruelty - Class D felony).
Springdale AR Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Washington County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Springdale city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Washington County →