Arkansas does not ban pit bulls at the state level, but that does not mean you can keep one anywhere in the state without restriction. Dozens of cities and municipalities across Arkansas have enacted their own breed-specific ordinances — some banning pit bulls outright, others requiring permits, insurance, and strict containment.
If you own a pit bull in Arkansas, or plan to move there with one, the rules that apply to you depend almost entirely on your specific city or county. This guide walks you through what the law actually says, which cities enforce bans, and what you need to do to stay in compliance wherever you live.
Does Arkansas Allow Breed-Specific Legislation
Arkansas does not have a statewide preemption law blocking local governments from passing breed-specific legislation (BSL). Twenty-two states prohibit local governments from enacting breed-specific legislation — meaning no city, county, or town within those states can single out pit bulls or any other breed for bans or special restrictions. Arkansas is not among them.
Because Arkansas gives municipalities the authority to regulate animal ownership at the local level, individual cities and counties are free to pass their own pit bull ordinances. Many counties and cities in Arkansas have enacted pit bull bans or require special restrictions. This creates a patchwork of rules that can vary dramatically from one town to the next…