Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Sec. 5-29. – Licensing requirements for animals.

(a) (1)

a. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to own, keep, or harbor a dog or cat within the corporate limits of the city without having obtained a license in compliance with the requirements of this section and other applicable provisions of this chapter.

b. Beginning November 1, 2023, the license issued must be in the form of a RFID microchip implanted in the dog or cat (excluding community cats). An animal brought into the city must be register its RFID number with the animal control department, or obtain an rfid number for registration consistent with the provisions of this section from the animal control department, within thirty (30) days of the animal being brought into the city, or within thirty (30) days of the animal attaining four (4) months of age, whichever is sooner. The fee for a RFID microchip implanted by the animal control department is twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for a non-sterilized animal and ten dollars ($10.00) for a sterilized animal with proof of the animal being sprayed or neutered. These fees are in addition to the license fee.

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(2) A lifetime license fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for a sterilized animal equipped with a microchip may be issued by the animal control department, contingent upon the animal remaining current on the rabies vaccination. An animal which does not remain current will forfeit the lifetime license and fee and must be licensed again by the owner in compliance with this section.

(3) The license fee for “intact” dogs may be discounted by ten dollars ($10.00) annually, in recognition of practices which demonstrate responsible ownership. The owner must comply with the restraint and confinement provisions of this section as well as the state and other applicable laws and regulations, and have not been cited for any animal control code violations within the year prior to application. The discount for “intact” dogs is obtainable from the animal control department based on the following practices:

a. Proof of an obedience award by a recognized organization.

b. Membership in a recognized obedience club, kennel club, or canine organization that promotes responsible ownership.

c. Active participation in dog sports, search and rescue activities, and therapy dog visits; and

d. Completion of an AKC Canine Good Citizen course and test.

Sec. 5-36. – Notice to owner and redemption.

(b) The fees for redemption of an animal by its owner are as follows:

The director of the animal control department may waive the redemption fee for an “intact” dog if the owner agrees to have the animal sterilized before leaving the shelter.

Sec. 5-40. – Release of unaltered or unlicensed animals to new home.

It shall hereafter be unlawful for any pound, shelter, or humane organization to release any unaltered dog or cat to a new owner unless a promise to spay or neuter such animal or license it has been signed by the person acquiring the animal.

The sterilization and/or licensing shall be performed by the date stipulated and by a licensed, accredited veterinarian. For valid reason, the owner may request an extension of time for sterilization. Up to thirty (30) days extension may be given.

A copy of the signed promise shall be kept on file at the office of animal control. The signed promise shall be binding, and failure to comply within the stated time-frame is unlawful. In such case, the animal described therein shall be returned to the releasing agency upon demand. Ownership of said animal, where it had previously become the property of animal control, reverts to animal control and no claim may be made to recover expenses incurred for maintenance of the animal, including the initial procurement cost.