OMG
!!! This is just horrific - I can't even imagine what you and little Barney have been going through! I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I would be SO upset for so many reasons here.
First, I'm relieved to hear that he's going to be okay
It's a miracle it wasn't way worse than this - your baby will be okay.
I was trying to see if the state of Arkansas had state leash laws, but they do not - they defer to the local governments. In my city, Phoenix, our leash laws are very, very clear. You may want to look up your city or county leash laws. If it were me, I absolutely would report this to the police bc a law (if you have them) was broken and almost *killed* a little being. That dog could and would do this again, to another little dog if given the chance. They *need* to pay a fine - they need to have that feeling you have when you've done something wrong and the police get involved. And then it's also on record. It may be the one thing that will deter them from hurting someone else's sweet beloved baby.
Again, sooooooo happy our little Barney will be okay long term. Hugs!