The bill amends existing laws related to livestock management in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the handling of livestock running at large and the procedures for impounding them. Key changes include replacing the term "taking up animals" with "impounding livestock" and expanding the definition of "livestock" to include various species such as cattle, bison, and swine. The bill shifts the responsibility for notifying authorities about impounded livestock from the county court clerk to the Department of Agriculture, which is also tasked with maintaining a publicly accessible record of all impounded livestock. Additionally, the timeframe for owners to reclaim their livestock has been reduced from one year to three months, and the daily cost for impounded livestock has increased from one dollar to ten dollars.

Further amendments streamline the legal framework surrounding livestock management by repealing outdated provisions related to fencing districts and introducing new requirements for notification and record-keeping. The bill clarifies the roles of livestock owners and impounders, emphasizing the responsibilities of law enforcement in managing stray livestock. It also establishes a civil action for owners if their livestock is not released after proving ownership, with potential for double costs if they prevail in court. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the enforcement of livestock regulations, improve notification processes, and clarify the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in livestock management.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1677 Original - 3-17-2023 01:36 PM: 2-39-101, 2-39-102, 2-39-106, 2-39-108, 2-39-107, 2-39-110
Old version HB1677 V2 - 3-28-2023 10:53 AM: 2-39-101, 2-39-102, 2-39-106, 2-39-108, 2-39-107, 03-28-2023, 2-39-110
HB 1677: 2-39-101, 2-39-102, 2-39-106, 2-39-108, 2-39-107, 03-28-2023, 2-39-110
Act 594: 2-39-101, 2-39-102, 2-39-106, 2-39-108, 2-39-107, 03-28-2023, 2-39-110