A bill has been introduced on the state level that will create vast inconsistencies in the animal laws throughout the state. SB 910 would allow Quorum Courts, also commonly known as Commissions Courts, to pass laws regarding animals in any manner they chose should the majority of landowners petition for a change.
Quorum Courts are not courts per say, but are more like a County Board of Commissioners, in that they do not create judicial rulings but instead act as a legislative body that oversees legislative action on the county level.
Most concerning about this bill is that it does not impose any kind of limitations on the kinds of laws these Courts can pass. The most concerning portion of this bill is the part that reads
“including without limitation”
Though the bill specifically mentions leash laws, this language that precedes mention of leash laws leaves the powers of the courts open to anything that the officials would like, including breed specific laws.
This would leave an enormous difference in the laws from community to community, with no consistency, or regard for personal property rights.
Full text of SB 910 can be found here.
Arkansas residents: Please reach out now to your legislators to oppose this bill. Good animal laws are ones that are clearly defined and consistent for all members of the community, things that this bill is not.
You can find your legislators here.
If you are having trouble wording your own correspondence you can use the form Best Friends Animal Society has set up. Please remember that by personalizing the first portion of this e-mail form, the correspondence becomes that much more effective.
Fred M. Kray
krisdiaz9
Stop BSL 