Teen Killed by Pack of Stray Dogs in Saline County: A Preventable Tragedy That Demands Statewide Action

Saline County, Arkansas — The Saline County community is reeling after a local teenager was killed by a pack of stray dogs she had been feeding — a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing tragedy that underscores the urgent need for comprehensive animal welfare reform in Arkansas.

While this young person acted with compassion, trying to care for dogs no one else would, the lack of meaningful state policies around dog overpopulation, unregulated breeding, and shelter access created the conditions for this nightmare.

This is not an isolated incident. Across Arkansas, communities are overwhelmed by packs of free-roaming, often unneutered dogs — the result of years of neglect at the policy level. The state has no uniform laws to regulate dog breeding or enforce spay/neuter standards. Shelters, particularly in rural counties, are underfunded or non-existent. Animal control resources are stretched thin, and the burden is increasingly falling on everyday citizens — with sometimes tragic results.

We are calling on our state leaders to confront this crisis with the seriousness it deserves.

We demand:

• Statewide regulation of dog breeding and ownership to prevent unchecked reproduction and neglect.

• State-funded, accessible spay and neuter programs to reduce the stray population.

• A comprehensive, statewide shelter system that ensures every county has a humane, functional place for animals in need.

• Emergency support and training for counties facing persistent stray dog problems.

The Arkansas Animal Welfare Alliance stands ready to work hand-in-hand with lawmakers, agencies, and community leaders to develop practical, effective solutions. We are prepared to offer data, connect legislators with frontline experts, and help craft legislation that addresses the root causes of overpopulation and neglect. This is not a partisan issue — it’s a public safety, public health, and moral imperative. We urge our elected officials to join us at the table and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.

Arkansas must act now.