Arkansas § 5-62-120 - Unlawful animal fighting.

Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-62-120 — Unlawful animal fighting., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-62-120. Unlawful animal fighting.

A person commits the offense of unlawful animal fighting in the first degree if he or she knowingly: Promotes, engages in, or is employed at animal fighting; Receives money for the admission of another person to a place kept for animal fighting; or Sells, purchases, possesses, or trains an animal for animal fighting. Unlawful animal fighting in the first degree is a Class D felony. A person commits the offense of unlawful animal fighting in the second degree if he or she knowingly: Purchases a ticket of admission to or is present at an animal fight; or Witnesses an animal fight if it is presented as a public spectacle. Unlawful animal fighting in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Upon the arrest of any person for violating a provision of this section, the arresting law enforcement officer or animal control officer may seize and take custody of all animals in the possession of the arrested person. Upon the conviction of any person for violating a provision of this section, any court of competent jurisdiction may order the forfeiture by the convicted person of all animals the use of which was the basis of the conviction. Any animal ordered forfeited under a provision of this subsection shall be placed with an appropriate place of custody or an animal control agency. In addition to the fines, penalties, and forfeitures imposed under this section, the court may require the defendant to make restitution to the state, any of its political subdivisions, or an appropriate place of custody for housing, feeding, or providing medical treatment to an animal used for unlawful animal fighting. As used in this section, “animal fighting” means fighting between roosters or other birds or between dogs, bears, or other animals.

Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 5-62-120

What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-62-120 cover?

Section 5-62-120 ("Unlawful animal fighting.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arkansas § 5-62-120?

A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-62-120" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arkansas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.

How does Arkansas § 5-62-120 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.