The bill amends existing laws regarding the protection of working animals in Arkansas, specifically addressing the rights and regulations surrounding their use in various sectors. It introduces a definition of "working animal," which refers to nonhuman animals utilized for specific duties in commerce or animal enterprises, excluding certain livestock such as poultry and cattle. The bill guarantees the right to utilize working animals for their welfare and the benefit of those they serve, while prohibiting counties from enacting ordinances that would ban or create undue hardship on the use of working animals in various fields, including agriculture and entertainment.

Additionally, the bill modifies Arkansas Code 14-54-1105(d) to allow municipalities to establish or alter ordinances related to animal care, public health, and the sale of dogs and cats. It clarifies that the new provisions do not alter existing state laws regulating animal care and public safety, and it ensures that any conflicting county ordinances are superseded by this new section, although it does not affect county zoning ordinances.

Statutes affected:
SB 339: 14-54-1105(d)