Arkansas Dog Poop Laws by County
If you’re a dog owner in Arkansas, picking up after your pet is more than just common courtesy—it’s often a legal requirement. While the state doesn’t have a universal dog waste law, many counties and cities across Arkansas have their own rules in place. This guide breaks down Arkansas dog poop laws by county so you know where you stand.
Do You Have to Pick Up Dog Poop in Arkansas?
Yes, in many counties and cities throughout Arkansas, it is required by law to clean up your dog’s waste in public areas. While the enforcement and penalties vary, failing to pick up after your dog can lead to fines or community complaints under public nuisance or sanitation ordinances.
Pulaski County (Little Rock)
Little Rock, located in Pulaski County, has clear dog waste ordinances. According to city code, dog owners must immediately remove feces left by their pets on public property or on private property not their own. Failure to do so can result in fines starting at $50 and going higher for repeat offenses.
Benton County (Rogers, Bentonville)
In cities like Rogers and Bentonville, local ordinances require dog owners to clean up waste on public streets, sidewalks, and parks. Enforcement is handled by city code officers, and residents may be reported for violations. Many parks also have signs and dog waste stations to remind people of the rules.
Washington County (Fayetteville, Springdale)
Fayetteville has a strong focus on environmental protection and cleanliness. Dog waste laws are enforced through the city’s animal services and environmental departments. Dog owners must carry bags and clean up after their pets or risk a fine, especially in public parks and trails.
Saline County (Bryant, Benton)
Though Saline County itself does not have a countywide law, cities like Bryant and Benton have ordinances that require pet owners to pick up dog feces from public areas. These laws are especially enforced in parks and neighborhoods where dog walking is common.
Garland County (Hot Springs)
Hot Springs mandates that pet waste be removed from all public property, including sidewalks, streets, and parks. The city encourages responsible pet ownership, and ignoring dog poop laws can lead to a citation or fine from local animal control officers.
Craighead County (Jonesboro)
Jonesboro city ordinances require that dog owners pick up after their dogs in public places. The city classifies uncollected dog poop as a public nuisance. Failing to clean up may lead to a fine or even community service in some cases.
Sebastian County (Fort Smith)
Fort Smith enforces animal control rules that include cleaning up dog waste. Parks and public walkways have signage reminding pet owners of their responsibility. Fines can range from $25 to $200 depending on the number of violations.
Faulkner County (Conway)
Conway requires dog owners to remove dog feces from any public or private property that isn’t their own. Animal control officers can issue citations to those who don’t follow the rules, especially in areas like city parks and greenways.
Rural Counties and Small Towns
In many smaller towns or rural counties across Arkansas, dog poop laws may not be spelled out directly. However, public nuisance and health codes often apply. If your dog regularly defecates in a public area or someone else’s yard and you don’t clean it up, neighbors can file complaints that may lead to warnings or fines.
Penalties for Ignoring Dog Poop Laws in Arkansas
Penalties vary by county and city, but here’s what you might face for not picking up after your dog:
- Fines ranging from $25 to $200
- Warnings for first-time offenses
- Citations from local animal control
- Possible court appearances for repeat violations
Most enforcement starts with education, but ignoring repeated warnings can escalate to legal consequences.
HOAs and Private Communities
Many Homeowner Associations (HOAs) in Arkansas enforce their own dog poop rules. These usually include:
- Required cleanup of dog waste on common areas
- Fines added to association dues for violations
- Revoking access to community parks or trails
Be sure to check your HOA’s rules to avoid penalties.
Dog Parks and Public Trails
Dog parks in cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Conway have strict waste cleanup rules. Most provide free bags and bins, but it’s still the owner’s job to use them. Failing to clean up can get you removed from the park or fined by park staff.
Curious About Your Dog’s Age?
As you take care of your pet and follow the rules, why not also check your dog’s age in human years? Use this dog age calculator to see where your pup stands in their life journey.
Whether your dog is a young pup or a senior, this interactive dog age tool can help you understand their needs better.
Try it now to calculate your dog’s age quickly and easily.
Summary of Arkansas Dog Poop Laws by County
| County | Main City | Dog Waste Law | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulaski | Little Rock | Yes | $50+ fines |
| Benton | Rogers, Bentonville | Yes | Fines or citations |
| Washington | Fayetteville | Yes | Environmental citations |
| Saline | Bryant, Benton | Yes | Local fines |
| Garland | Hot Springs | Yes | Animal control citations |
| Craighead | Jonesboro | Yes | Public nuisance fines |
| Sebastian | Fort Smith | Yes | $25–$200 fines |
| Faulkner | Conway | Yes | Animal services enforcement |
| Rural Areas | — | General sanitation codes | Warnings or citations |
Conclusion
Being a responsible dog owner in Arkansas means more than just feeding and walking your pet. It means cleaning up after them, too. Across counties—from Little Rock to Fayetteville—dog poop laws are in place to keep communities clean and healthy. Don’t wait for a fine to start doing the right thing.
And while you’re at it, take a minute to find out your dog’s age in human years. It’s a great way to better understand their behavior and care needs at every stage of life.