§ 20-19-401 - Findings. - Arkansas Statutes

20-19-401. Findings.

The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids are now present in this state but remain unregulated;

(2) The Compendium of Animal Rabies Control advises that no vaccination has been approved for use in wolves or wolf-dog hybrids;

(3) However, wolves and dogs are scientifically classified as the same species;

(4) "Off" and "Extra" label use of vaccines approved for use in dogs are widely used to vaccinate wolves and wolf-dog hybrids, even by the federal government, to prevent diseases such as rabies;

(5) Failure to vaccinate wolves and wolf-dog hybrids raises the possibility of creating a large pool of animals that could serve as reservoirs for rabies; and

(6) Due to the neglect and irresponsibility of their owners, some wolves and wolf-dog hybrids could pose a threat to public safety in this state.