Arkansas state law does not specifically make it illegal to leave your pet chained or tethered outside. There is no statewide ban or explicit limit on the duration or method of tethering dogs. However, general animal cruelty laws apply: if chaining results in neglect, harm, or suffering (such as lack of shelter, food, water, or exposure to extreme weather), it can be considered animal cruelty and is illegal under Arkansas law. Torture or severe neglect of dogs is a felony, and repeated or aggravated cruelty—especially if witnessed by a child—carries enhanced penalties.
Local ordinances may be stricter. Many cities in Arkansas have enacted their own laws that restrict or prohibit tethering dogs to stationary objects, sometimes allowing only trolley systems or limiting the hours of tethering. For example:
- North Little Rock: Prohibits tethering a dog to any inanimate object as a means of confinement, except under specific conditions allowing trolley systems.
- Fayetteville: Bans dog chaining except for limited use of a trolley system when the owner is present.
- Sherwood: Prohibits chaining or tethering animals to stationary objects, except for brief tethering of livestock.
- Little Rock: Allows tethering only to an approved trolley system, along with other lawful confinement methods.
Summary Table
| Jurisdiction | Tethering Law Summary |
|---|---|
| State of Arkansas | No statewide ban; general cruelty laws apply |
| North Little Rock | Tethering to inanimate objects prohibited (exceptions for trolley systems) |
| Fayetteville | Dog chaining banned (trolley systems allowed with owner present) |
| Sherwood | Chaining/tethering to stationary objects prohibited (except brief tethering of livestock) |
| Little Rock | Tethering allowed only to approved trolley system |
Key Takeaway:
Chaining your pet outside is not illegal in Arkansas under state law unless it results in cruelty or neglect, but many cities have stricter local ordinances that limit or prohibit tethering. Always check your local laws for additional restrictions.
Sources
[1] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[2] https://awionline.org/awi-quarterly/2009-spring/arkansas-buckles-down-animal-cruelty
[3] https://www.houndslounge.com/blog/8-shocking-dog-laws-in-arkansas/
[4] https://www.animallaw.info/local/ar-sherwood-breed-pit-bull-ordinance-no-1776
[5] https://aldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Arkansas-2018.pdf
