Severe facial injuries to four-year-old results in first conviction for “Uncontrolled Animal” Ordinance

HOPE — After a bench trial on November 4, 2025, the Honorable District Court Judge Dana Stone found the first Hempstead County resident guilty of violating County Ordinance No. 25-10, which was enacted earlier this year to address the problem of uncontrolled animals.

“Sheriff James Singleton and all of the Quorum Court members involved in its approval have our appreciation,” Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hale said.

The case was opened on September 27, 2025, when Sheriff’s Deputy Kristen Evans responded to Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Hope where a four-year-old boy was being treated for multiple dog bites to the face. The case was investigated by Jeremy McBride who determined Jimmy Singleton owned the dog, a German Shepherd, which was permitted to exit his residence into an unfenced yard before the child was injured.

“The severity of this little boy’s facial injuries are absolutely heartbreaking,” Hale said. “We thank all those involved in his treatment and continue to pray for his healing.”

The case was tried by Eighth North Judicial District’s Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Denver Lockhart.

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