Summary: This Arkansas statute provides that municipal corporations have the power to prevent the running at large of dogs and the injuries and annoyances associated with them. Further, this statute allows municipalities to authorize the destruction or impoundment of dogs if found in violation of ordinance. However, prior to destroying the dog, the municipality shall give the dog's owner at least five (5) days' notice of the date of the proposed destruction of the dog by certified mail if the dog carries the owner's address.
(b)(1)(A) Municipalities may impound and destroy any dog running at large within the municipality.
(B)(i) Prior to destroying the dog, the municipality shall give the dog's owner at least five (5) days' notice of the date of the proposed destruction of the dog.
(ii) The notice shall be by certified letter, return receipt requested. Dog owners may claim their dogs at the municipal pound by reimbursing the municipality for the cost of the notice plus other costs and requirements which may be established by ordinance of the municipal governing body prior to the date set for destruction of the dogs.
(2) This subsection shall apply only in instances where the dog carries its owner's address.
Acts of 1875, Act 1, § 16, p. 1; Acts of 1979, Act 534, § 1.