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1. How does Code Enforcement handle animal noise complaints?

Code Enforcement officers will evaluate the welfare of the animal first. If the animal's welfare is acceptable, we advise the owner concerning the complaint and ask that they take measures to quiet their animal(s). Code Enforcement keeps records of all complaints. The complaining party may fill out a barking dog incident log. Code Enforcement may not issue a citation for a plaintiff without a barking dog log entry to appear in court with the defendant and citing officer.

2. What if I lose my pet?

Search your surrounding neighborhood and then visit our Animal Shelter at 1300 East Ashley. We recommend that you visit our facility at least every other day to look for your animal.

3. How do I register my animal?

You must have a current annual rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian for each dog and cat. State law requires an animal to be at least 3-months old.

Furnish or mail the rabies certificate to our office located at 1300 East Ashley with the annual fee of $5 for each altered animal or $10 for each intact animal. You must show documentation of spay or neuter to receive the $5 fee. The registration and identification tag will be mailed to you within 10 working days.

Citizens over the age of 62 or with disabilities who possess altered animals are required to register their animals, but are exempt from paying the fees. You are required to attach the registration tag to your dog's collar. Cats are not required by law to wear registration tags, however we highly recommend this since a tag is provided and it is the best way to return a lost cat to it's owner.

4. Why do I need to register my animal?

• To comply with city ordinances.
• It is the best way to recover a lost pet.
• It ensures rabies vaccination.
• It promotes spay and neutering.
• It is a valuable statistical tool.
• It generates revenue.
• It drastically reduces the feral animal population.

5. What is Code Enforcement not responsible for?

• Bee relocation
• Boarding of owned animals
• Nuisance bird relocation
• Providing veterinary services including sterilization

6. Should I vaccinate my animal against rabies?

Regardless of an animal's lifestyle, the State of Arkansas requires that a licensed veterinarian vaccinate all dogs and cats over the age of 3 months against rabies. While not currently widespread, rabies is still prevalent in the wild and is a threat that requires constant vigilance.

7. Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

Spaying dogs and cats eliminates the heat cycle and the possibility of pregnancy. Complications often accompany pregnancy that can be life threatening for the animal and expensive for the owner. Spaying greatly reduces the incidence of cancer and reproductive infections. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostrate disease. It greatly reduces the incidence of spraying, marking territory, and undesirable behavior associated with reproduction.

Spaying and neutering is good for the community because sterilized animals’ exhibit less behavioral and temperament problems than those that have been altered. Sterilized dogs are 85% less likely to bite. Sterilization reduces the urge to roam that exposes pets to fights, injury, poisoning, traffic injuries, exposure to infectious diseases, and death. Surgical sterilization reduces the overall animal population decreasing the chance of dog packs and unwitting cat breeders that increase the probability of nuisance complaints, damage to personal property, and attacks on adults, children, and legally confined animals.

8. Is there a leash law in Siloam Springs?

Allowing an animal to run loose is unlawful. All pets, including cats, regardless of age, must be restrained on leashes at all times unless confined on or within the owner's property. Each running-at-large violation carries a minimum fine of $25 plus $25 court costs. If an animal is seen and documented running at large by an officer, a 36-month probationary period begins for the owner. Three violations within the probationary period will result in a mandatory court appearance before a judge, and possible revocation of the animal registration, impoundment, and destruction of the animal at the owner's expense. Mandatory court appearance citations may be more punitive due to the discretion of the District Judge.

9. How much do adoptions cost?

Adoption fees for dogs range from $61 - $94; for cats $41 - $66.  Fees are dependent on the type and gender of the animal. 

10. Can I bring an animal I found to the shelter?

You may bring an animal to the shelter that you have found. However it is safer and easier for us to transport the animal to the shelter for you.  This also helps in returning the animal to its rightful owner.  

11. Can I get a ticket for my animal?

Yes you can receive a citation for your animals if they are in violation of one of our city codes.  Please refer to Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code

12. How many animals can I have?

You can have up to 4 dogs or cats at your residence without a kennel permit. Anything over 4 you must have a Class B Kennel Permit.

13. Can I have chickens or goats in City limits?

Yes you may have both inside city limits. However chickens cannot be within 100 feet of another residence. For goats you must have ½ acre per 2 goats. Larger livestock requires 1 acre per 2 animals.

14. Can Code Enforcement come help me remove a pesky animal?

Yes we can. We help in removing squirrels, raccoons, groundhogs, opossum and snakes. We do not help with bees and birds. We also are not able to go into attics or crawl spaces. We use live traps to catch the animals.