Animal cruelty is a serious crime in Arkansas, and every resident has the ability to do something about it. Whether you have spotted a neglected dog chained without food or witnessed something far more disturbing, knowing how the reporting process works makes the difference between an animal staying in harm’s way and getting the help it needs.
Arkansas law gives ordinary citizens real power to act — and legal protection when they do. This guide walks you through what qualifies as cruelty under state law, who you can call, what to expect after you file a report, and the penalties offenders face.
What Counts as Animal Cruelty in Arkansas
Arkansas defines animal cruelty across two main tiers in Arkansas Code Annotated Title 5, Chapter 62. The first tier covers general cruelty; the second covers aggravated cruelty, which carries significantly heavier consequences.
Under A.C.A. § 5-62-103, a person commits the offense of cruelty to animals if they knowingly kill or injure an animal owned by another person without legal privilege or consent, abandon an animal without providing for its continued care, fail to supply an animal in their custody with sufficient wholesome food and water, fail to provide adequate shelter consistent with the breed and species, or carry an animal in a motorized vehicle or boat in a cruel or inhumane manner…