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Little Rock Pit Bull Ordinance: Possibly a Very Effective Blend

Pit Bulls Being Picked Up
Little Rock, AR - A recent pit bull ordinance went into effect in Little Rock that requires pit bull owners to sterilize, vaccinate, microchip and register their dogs. It also limits the ownership of "potentially dangerous breeds" to two per household. The city provides a low cost fee for the combined services for $150. Unlike other cities that have enacted a breed-specific "Potentially Dangerous" dog ordinance, the Little Rock version includes mandatory sterilization.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) backs Little Rock's Potentially Dangerous Breed ordinance.

After one month of the law passing, only a handful of owners have complied. Tracy Roark of animal services told reporters, "We've given notice to these people and they have failed to comply." These dogs are unregistered, unsterilized and chained. Animal services is now picking up these dogs. After the animal is seized, owners have ten days to claim their pet. If the dog goes unclaimed it gets euthanized. Animal services does not adopt out pit bulls.

Little Rock's Pit Bull Law:

• Proof of Spay or Neuter (or Veterinarian documentation of medical condition that would not allow sterilization)
• Photo with owner will be taken at the Animal Village. Dog must be present at registration so that the photo can be taken.
• Micro Chipping of Dog
• Current Rabies Vaccination
• Current City License
• $150.00 Fee (per Animal) for Registration is Required
• All Dogs of these Breeds must be Confined by a Fence or in a Structure.
• A maximum of Two (2) dogs of these breeds will be allowed to be owned

Note: A January draft of the law also included mandatory muzzling when off-property, as well as proof of liability insurance in the amount of $100,000. These items may have been removed prior to the final passage of the law.

Related article:
11/13/08: De Queen, Arkansas Passes Pit Bull Ban
04/11/08: Federal Judge Lets Pit Bull Bans In Arkansas Cities Stand

Labels: Arkansas, Humane Society of the United States