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Bill

HB 1992

TO REQUIRE A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION FOR DANGEROUS DOGS AND VICIOUS DOGS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mindy McAlindon

HB 1992 aimed to enhance public safety by requiring registration of dangerous and vicious dogs in Arkansas, improving tracking and management of potentially harmful animals.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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Bill Summary · HB 1992

Summary of House Bill 1992

Bill Number: HB 1992
Title: To Require a Certificate of Registration for Dangerous Dogs and Vicious Dogs; and for Other Purposes
Status: Withdrawn by Author
Introduced: April 07, 2025
Author: Representative McAlindon

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1992 aimed to establish a regulatory framework for the registration of dangerous and vicious dogs in the state of Arkansas. The bill sought to enhance public safety by requiring owners of such dogs to register them with local authorities, thereby enabling better tracking and management of potentially dangerous animals.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to existing law, including:

  1. Definitions:

    • Dangerous Dog: Defined as a dog that causes a bite injury or kills a pet animal while off the owner's property, with specific exclusions for working dogs and situations where the pet animal was tormenting the dog.
    • Vicious Dog: Defined as a dog that bites or attacks a person without provocation, causing serious physical injury or death.

  2. Registration Requirements:

    • Owners of dangerous or vicious dogs would be required to obtain a certificate of registration from local animal control authorities.
    • The bill outlined the process for declaring a dog as dangerous or vicious, including the need for investigations by animal control officers based on reports from the public.

  3. Investigation and Declaration Process:

    • Animal control officers would investigate reports of dangerous or vicious dogs and could declare a dog as such based on evidence, including witness testimony and dog bite reports.
    • A written declaration would be required, detailing the dog's description, owner information, and any restrictions placed on the owner.

  4. Penalties:

    • The bill included provisions for penalties for owners who failed to comply with restrictions, which could include fines, imprisonment, or even the destruction of the dog.

  5. Exemptions:

    • Certain actions, such as those occurring while a dog is being used by law enforcement or military personnel, or actions taken in response to provocation, would not result in a dog being declared dangerous or vicious.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1992 would have affected dog owners, local governments, and animal control agencies in Arkansas. It aimed to improve community safety by providing a clear framework for managing dogs that pose a risk to public safety. The bill's requirements would have necessitated increased coordination between local governments and animal control officers.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 07, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 08, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the City, County & Local Affairs Committee.
  • April 10, 2025: Withdrawn by the author.

While HB 1992 was ultimately withdrawn, it reflects ongoing discussions about animal control and public safety in Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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