Statement Regarding Saline County’s Animal Control Ordinance

Yesterday evening, I attended the Saline County Public Safety Committee meeting where several votes were held. While each item matters, I want to take a moment to highlight the vote concerning the failure to pass the proposed Animal Control Ordinance.

This ordinance was first introduced in February. Since then, what we’ve seen is a clear case of paralysis by analysis. Thoughtful debate is appropriate and necessary—but there is a line between careful deliberation and a failure to act. That line was crossed.

Some of the objections raised simply don’t hold up under scrutiny.

For example, in past committee meetings, concerns were raised about including rabies vaccination requirements, with the claim that rabies is not a current issue in Saline County. That may be true—but rabies vaccination is already state law. Without including it in a county ordinance, any fines collected go to the state, not back into our local community. That’s not just an oversight—that’s a missed opportunity for local accountability and reinvestment.

Another argument made was that even with an ordinance, some people will still choose not to follow the law. But that raises a fundamental question: if the possibility of noncompliance is our standard, why have laws at all? Laws exist not because everyone follows them—but because without them, there is no standard to uphold and no authority to act.

And that is exactly where we are now.

It was clearly stated during the meeting that without this ordinance, law enforcement lacks the tools to respond effectively. Deputies are being called to the same situations over and over again, yet they have no real authority to resolve them. That’s not just frustrating—it’s unacceptable.

And here’s what makes the inaction even harder to justify: during the committee process, it was raised whether concerns with the ordinance could be addressed through amendments. Legal counsel confirmed that they could—both before final passage and even after adoption, just as has been done with other ordinances in the past. In other words, the process was never the barrier. The ability to refine, adjust, and improve was always there. What was missing was the willingness to take the first step.

Importantly, this ordinance was written with discretion in mind. It uses the word “may,” not “shall,” ensuring that law enforcement has the flexibility to apply judgment based on the situation. That’s not heavy-handed government—that’s smart governance.

At its core, this ordinance is not an attack on freedom. It is an affirmation of what makes freedom work: responsibility. Because freedom without responsibility doesn’t lead to liberty—it leads to chaos.

And right now, by failing to act, we are allowing that chaos to take root.

Saline County deserves better. It deserves leadership that can move beyond endless debate and take responsible, measured action when it matters.

With respect for all Arkansans,

Joshua Irby

Paid for by Joshua Irby