How to Report Animal Cruelty in Arkansas (And What Happens Next)
July 9, 2026
Animal cruelty is a serious crime in Arkansas, and every resident has the ability to do something about it. Whether you have spotted a neglected dog chained without food or witnessed something far more disturbing, knowing how the reporting process works makes the difference between an animal staying in harm’s way and getting the help it needs.
Arkansas law gives ordinary citizens real power to act — and legal protection when they do. This guide walks you through what qualifies as cruelty under state law, who you can call, what to expect after you file a report, and the penalties offenders face.
What Counts as Animal Cruelty in Arkansas
Arkansas defines animal cruelty across two main tiers in Arkansas Code Annotated Title 5, Chapter 62. The first tier covers general cruelty; the second covers aggravated cruelty, which carries significantly heavier consequences.
Under A.C.A. § 5-62-103, a person commits the offense of cruelty to animals if they knowingly kill or injure an animal owned by another person without legal privilege or consent, abandon an animal without providing for its continued care, fail to supply an animal in their custody with sufficient wholesome food and water, fail to provide adequate shelter consistent with the breed and species, or carry an animal in a motorized vehicle or boat in a cruel or inhumane manner.
Aggravated cruelty — such as intentional torture of a dog or cat — can be a Class D felony under Arkansas Code 5-62-104. This includes the knowing commission of physical injury to a dog, cat, or horse by inflicting inhumane treatment or gross physical abuse that causes intensive or prolonged pain, serious physical injury, or death, as well as mutilating, maiming, burning, poisoning, drowning, or starving a dog, cat, or horse.
Dogfighting and cockfighting are also illegal in Arkansas and punishable as a felony. Arkansas also has separate laws addressing dogfighting (§ 5-62-120) and poisoning animals (§ 5-62-111), both carrying their own penalties.
Important Note: Arkansas law defines “animal” as any living vertebrate creature except human beings and fish. Livestock, horses, dogs, cats, and other domestic animals all fall under these protections.
There are recognized exemptions. The law does not prohibit conduct that is otherwise permitted under the laws of Arkansas or the United States, including agricultural activities, butchering, food processing, marketing, medical activities, zoological activities, or exhibitions. Hunting, trapping, and fishing authorized by the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission are also exempt. That said, these activities must still be conducted in a humane manner and not result in unnecessary suffering or death of animals.
Who Can Report Animal Cruelty in Arkansas
Anyone able to observe animals and spot an animal in distress can be helpful in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases. You do not need to be a professional, a property owner, or a direct witness to an act — a reasonable suspicion based on what you have seen or heard is enough to make a report.
There is a disturbing link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans, which is why community involvement matters. You should always report children who abuse animals since early intervention may prevent more serious violence in the future.
Importantly, Arkansas law protects you when you report in good faith. Under A.C.A. § 5-62-107, a person who in good faith reports a suspected incident of cruelty to animals or aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or horse to a local law enforcement agency or to the Department of Arkansas State Police is immune from civil and criminal liability for reporting the incident. That immunity removes one of the most common reasons people hesitate to come forward.
Arkansas law also permits a person to lawfully interfere to prevent the imminent or ongoing perpetration of any offense of cruelty to animals upon any animal in their presence. If an animal is in immediate, life-threatening danger and you can safely intervene — for example, releasing a dog that is choking — you may do so without legal risk.
Who Is Required to Report Animal Cruelty in Arkansas
Arkansas has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time. Unlike some states that legally compel certain professionals to file reports, Arkansas currently places no such statutory obligation on any specific group of citizens.
That said, veterinarians occupy a special position under state law. Veterinarians must report suspected cruelty under Arkansas Code 17-101-109, ensuring professionals take action when encountering mistreated animals. A licensed veterinarian or a person acting at the direction of a licensed veterinarian in Arkansas is held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decision made or service rendered in conjunction with this subchapter, and is immune from suit for their part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.
Key Insight: Even though most Arkansans are not legally required to report animal cruelty, you are legally protected when you do. Filing a good-faith report carries no legal risk to you.
There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty in Arkansas. All reports are received by local animal control or services, humane societies, or law enforcement agencies. This means knowing your local contacts ahead of time can save critical minutes in an emergency.
How to Report Animal Cruelty in Arkansas
Several agencies in Arkansas handle reports of animal abuse, with jurisdiction depending on the type and location of the incident. Law enforcement, local animal control, and humane organizations all play roles in investigating and addressing mistreatment.
Step 1: Assess the Urgency
If an animal is in immediate danger, calling 911 is appropriate, while non-emergency cases should be reported to local police or the sheriff’s office. Taking a moment to gauge the severity helps you reach the right agency faster.
Step 2: Contact the Right Agency
Local police departments and county sheriff’s offices investigate animal cruelty and have the authority to seize animals in immediate danger under Arkansas Code 5-62-106. For serious cases, you can also call (800) 482-8982 to report serious cases of cruelty.
Animal control is often the best contact for neglect cases, such as failure to provide food, water, or shelter. Many cities, including Little Rock and Fayetteville, have dedicated animal services departments that accept reports via phone or online forms. In Fayetteville specifically, you can contact Fayetteville Animal Services at 479-444-3456.
In areas without formal animal control agencies, reports may be directed to the sheriff’s office or a nearby humane organization. The National Link Coalition’s Arkansas directory lists contact numbers for every county in the state, from Craighead County to Miller County, making it easy to find your local agency.
Nonprofit organizations such as the Humane Society of Pulaski County and the Arkansas Humane Society assist in investigating and addressing animal cruelty. While they lack law enforcement authority, they collaborate with police and animal control to document abuse and advocate for legal action.
Step 3: Gather and Share Key Details
The more specific your report, the stronger the case. Note the date and time of the abuse, a description of the person responsible (including any distinguishing characteristics if you cannot get their name), a description of the animal, and the nature of the abuse.
You should also be ready to provide:
- The exact location of the incident
- A description of the abuse — what happened and how often
- Photos or videos, if safely possible
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Your own contact information in case investigators have follow-up questions
A successful prosecution of an animal crime will frequently require the participation of witnesses. While the results of animal cruelty are often visibly obvious, the action of such a crime is not always obvious, so witnesses are important.
Pro Tip: Document everything before you call. A short video or a few timestamped photos taken from a safe distance can be the deciding factor in whether charges are filed.
What Happens After You Report in Arkansas
Once your report is filed, the process moves through several stages. Law enforcement or animal control will investigate the claim — an officer may visit the location to assess the situation. In cases of neglect, an owner may be given a chance to correct the situation. If conditions are severe, the animal may be removed for safety. If there is enough evidence, the suspect can be charged under Arkansas cruelty laws.
Reports of potential animal cruelty are typically received by local agencies, which then conduct investigations to gather evidence and determine if there is a case for prosecution. If enough evidence is found, the case may be turned over to the district attorney’s office for prosecution.
Some counties have dedicated animal cruelty investigators, but in areas without specialized units, general law enforcement officers handle these cases. Response times can vary by location. While Arkansas law does not mandate a specific response time, agencies typically prioritize cases based on severity. If an animal remains in distress and no action has been taken, escalating the report to another authority — such as the local prosecutor’s office — may be necessary.
Courts can also take protective action against the offender. Authorities can seize animals in immediate danger under Arkansas Code 5-62-106, and courts may restrict convicted individuals from future pet ownership. According to Arkansas state law, individuals convicted of animal cruelty are prohibited from owning or having custody of any animal for a period determined by the court. They may also be required to undergo psychological evaluation and treatment as a condition of their conviction.
Penalties for Animal Cruelty in Arkansas
Arkansas structures its penalties based on the severity of the offense and the offender’s history. The law draws a clear line between general cruelty and aggravated cruelty, with repeat offenses triggering escalating consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| General cruelty — 1st offense (§ 5-62-103) | Unclassified misdemeanor | Fine of $150–$1,000; up to 1 year in jail; community service |
| General cruelty — 2nd offense within 5 years | Unclassified misdemeanor | Fine of $400–$1,000; 7 days to 1 year in jail; 30+ days community service |
| General cruelty — 3rd offense within 5 years | Unclassified misdemeanor | Fine of $900–$1,000; 90 days to 1 year in jail; 90+ days community service |
| Aggravated cruelty to dog, cat, or horse (§ 5-62-104) | Class D felony | Up to 6 years in prison; fines up to $10,000 |
| Dogfighting / cockfighting (§ 5-62-120) | Felony | Separate felony penalties |
Any person found guilty of cruelty to animals on a first offense is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor and shall be fined no less than $150 and no more than $1,000, or face other court-ordered consequences including psychiatric or psychological counseling or treatment.
For a second offense occurring within five years of a previous offense, the offender shall be fined no less than $400 and no more than $1,000, or imprisoned for no fewer than seven days and no more than one year, or ordered to complete no fewer than thirty days of community service.
Aggravated animal cruelty, including torture or mutilation, is a Class D felony under Arkansas Code 5-62-104, carrying a prison sentence of up to six years and fines reaching $10,000. Individuals convicted of animal cruelty are prohibited from owning or having custody of any animal for a period determined by the court and may be required to undergo psychological evaluation and treatment.
At the federal level, the PACT (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture) Act became law in 2019. It makes some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty — specifically crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling, or sexual exploitation — a federal crime when committed in or affecting interstate commerce or within U.S. territorial jurisdiction.
Arkansas takes animal cruelty seriously, and so does the law. If you see something, reporting it is both your right and one of the most effective things you can do. For more context on how Arkansas compares to neighboring states, see our guides on animal cruelty laws in Tennessee and animal cruelty laws in Missouri. You can also explore how other states handle enforcement, including animal cruelty laws in Texas, animal cruelty laws in Ohio, and animal cruelty laws in Georgia. If you’re interested in Arkansas wildlife more broadly, our guide to venomous animals in Arkansas is a helpful resource.