BANKS, Ark. — The Town of Banks is reminding residents to keep dogs leashed, confined or supervised outdoors following what town officials described as several recent complaints across the community.
In a social media post Tuesday, the town said Banks has an ordinance addressing dogs running at large, along with a limit on the number of dogs allowed at a residence.
“Please keep your dogs leashed, in a pen or supervised when letting them outside,” the town wrote. Residents who wish to file a complaint were directed to contact the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department at 870-226-3491.
The town shared its 2019 dog ordinance, which prohibits vicious and problem dogs from running astray within the city limits. Under the ordinance, an animal is considered to be running astray when it is not on a leash controlled by a responsible person or is outside an enclosure, such as a fence, where it could come into contact with another person.
The ordinance defines a vicious dog as one that has bitten someone without provocation while that person was lawfully present and engaged in lawful activities. Such dogs must be restrained by leash, confinement in a pen or another appropriate method.
It also addresses problem dogs, including those that repeatedly trespass onto another person’s property after objections have been made to the owner and a law enforcement officer. After a second objection involving the same type of disturbance, a resident may file a complaint with law enforcement, and the ordinance authorizes an officer to issue a violation to the owner or impound the dog.
Other provisions prohibit dogs from creating excessive disturbances through loud and frequent barking or howling. Residents may submit a formal written complaint to the sheriff’s office regarding those concerns.
The ordinance also requires dog owners to maintain sanitary premises. It prohibits offensive odors that disturb nearby residents, requires owners to address holes that collect water, urine or waste, and requires animal waste to be removed from the property at least every 72 hours.
Banks residents are generally limited to owning, keeping, harboring or feeding no more than four animals older than 12 weeks within the city limits. Keeping more than four animals outside a residence is considered prima facie evidence of a violation, with the owner responsible for showing the animals are younger than 12 weeks if applicable.
Anyone convicted of violating the ordinance may face a fine ranging from $250 to $500.
The ordinance was adopted by the City of Banks on May 21, 2019.
