Arkansas dog liability for owners of strong dogs
Without a bite statute, Arkansas courts look at what the owner knew and how the dog was kept.
01No statewide dog bite statute
The dogbitelaw.com summary of Arkansas dog bite law says Arkansas has no dog bite statute and is a one-bite state except where a county ordinance imposes strict liability. A victim can recover under negligence, scienter or intentional tort, and a criminal statute can require a defendant to pay medical bills.
02Negligence still applies
The same source describes cases in which owners were held liable for letting a dog run loose and says violating a leash or at-large law is evidence of negligence. It also states that Arkansas imposes no liability on a landlord for a tenant's dog, even one known to be dangerous.
03Rabies control
The Arkansas rabies control rules call for a dog that bites a person to be confined and observed for ten days, with costs borne by the owner.
04Insurance and housing
Tell your insurer what dog is coming and read your lease or association rules first. State law does not override either.
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