The city of Little Rock passed the Potentially Dangerous Breeds rules Feb. 19 as a public safety measure. Dog owners have until May 20, 2008, to comply. The affected breeds are the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and the
Staffordshire Terrier "or any dog that has primary characteristics of these breeds."
Here is the list of regulations, provided by the city's Animal Services Division:
• Owners will have until May 20, 2008 to comply
• Breeds are the “American Pit Bull Terrier”, “American Straffordshire Terrier” and the “Straffordshire Terrier” or any dog that has primary characteristics of these breeds
• Registration or Permit with fee is required (Dog and Owner will have to come to the Animal Village)
• Additional registrations for show dogs (unsterilized). Proof must be shown that the dog is AKC or UKC registered with show points or documents showing training to be a show dog.
• Additional registration for breeding dogs (unsterilized). Proof must be shown that the dog is AKC or UKC registered with show points
• Dogs will be required to have a microchip.
• Owner must bring dog to the Animal Village (4500 Kramer St.) for photograph. The owner is required to be in the photograph with his/her dog.
• Dogs will have to be spayed or neutered (unless 1. additional registration is required for Show Dogs 2. additional registration is required for Breeders or 3. Veterinarian documentation, confirmed by the Animal Services Veterinarian, that the dog is physically unable to reproduce or that the dog will be medically compromised to the
extent that it cannot reproduce).
• Confinement must be with fencing or in a structure.
• Confinement must be at the owner’s residence or place of business.
• While off the owner’s property the dog must be handled by an adult with the ability to control the dog.
• A sticker (provided by Little Rock Animal Services) is required to be placed on house where it is visible from street.
• Maximum number of “Potentially Dangerous Dogs” is two.
• The permit cannot be transferred. Any change of ownership will require the new owner to register the dog in his/her name.
• Relocation to another address in the City of Little Rock must be reported.
• There is an appeal process for animals with questionable breed.
• Any new dog that relocates to the City of Little Rock will have ten days to comply.
NOTE: Best Friends Network has a campaign called Stop Breed Specific Legislation. Its Web page is at
http://network.bestfriends.org/stopbslPhoto courtesy of the Missouri Pit Bull Rescue at www.mprgroup.net.
Posted by Serenah McKay, Best Friends Network volunteer