Pit Bull Owners -- Not So "Dog Loving"

No Pit Bulls Registered As Deadline Nears
Arkadelphia, AR - With the February 1st deadline approaching for registering pit bulls within city limits, no dogs have been registered as of January 14th. Glen Beedle and Jennifer Bryant, the city's accounts clerk, are responsible for registering the dogs. "We've had many inquiries," Beedle said, "but no registrations."

Some residents have already told Manning they don't intend to comply with the law. They have contacted the animal control officer, Buster Karr, to pick up their dogs February 1st for automatic euthanization.

The new Arkadelphia ordinance requires pit bull owners to meet several requirements to register their dogs, including: $25 registration fee per year; microchip implant by a licensed veterinarian; proof of rabies and other vaccinations; mandatory sterilization and $100,000 liability insurance coverage.

There are confinement requirements too. When an animal is not confined, it must be securely muzzled and restrained by a leash. Dogs cannot be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen, and dogs are not to be leashed to inanimate objects, such as trees, posts or buildings.

Failure to comply is punishable by a fine of $500 per day. If the dog is seized by animal control for violations, the dog's registration can be revoked and owners must reclaim the dog by paying a fee. The dog will not be returned to the owner until the fee is paid and all requirements are met.

DogsBite.org praises Arkadelphia City Council for creating progressive dog policy that undoubtedly targets irresponsible owners and strongly promotes public safety.