Dangerous dog laws, including the dog bite law, vary from state to state, with different definitions and outcomes for owners.
In Arkansas, dangerous dog laws are primarily governed by the Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-19-101 et seq. These laws define a 'dangerous dog' as one that has caused serious injury to a person or has engaged in dog fighting. The owner of a dangerous dog may face stricter regulations, such as mandatory registration, confinement, or the posting of warning signs. Additionally, Arkansas does not have a statewide dog bite statute; instead, dog bite cases are handled under the common law principle of 'strict liability' if the dog is considered dangerous or under the 'one bite rule' for dogs without prior aggressive behavior. This means that an owner may be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if the dog has shown previous signs of aggression, or if the owner knew or should have known about the dog's propensity to bite. Local municipalities may also have their own ordinances that could impose further restrictions or requirements on dog owners.