Tennessee Steps Up for Animal Cruelty

Posted Friday, August 10, 2007, at 10:01 AM

The ASPCA reports the success of several new animal cruelty bills that were signed by Governor Phil Bredesen and went into effect July 1. They applaud Tennessee for being one of the leaders of the southern states on animal cruelty issues. According to the ASPCA article, Tennessee passed the following new, animal cruelty laws:

- SB 196/HB 1161 recognizes the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence by expanding the definition of domestic abuse to include harm or threats made to pets, and allows for the inclusion of pets in court orders of protection.

- SB 487/HB 953 makes sexual abuse of an animal a crime and assesses felony level penalties for such violations.

- SB 537/HB 548 increases the penalty for being a spectator at an animal fight from a Class C to a Class A misdemeanor.

- SB 637/HB 422 prohibits the tethering or chaining of a dog in a manner that is inhumane or prevents access to food, water or shelter.

- HJR 99 is a joint resolution that details the many benefits of spaying and neutering, and encourages all Tennesseans to be responsible pet owners by spaying and neutering their companion animals.

Comments
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that is wonderful news and I really hope that people pay attention and this will make a difference to the way animals are treated! SB 637/HB 422...that is the one that means the most to me!

-- Posted by weezie84 on Fri, Aug 10, 2007, at 12:29 PM

weezi84-

I'm glad that the information was helpful to you. You can go to the ASPCA's website and register to be on the Advocacy Brigade. Next year, when new bills are on the floor, you'll be notified and can use a provided e-mail to your legislators to let them know how you feel toward animal bills.

-- Posted by cherylrichardson on Fri, Aug 10, 2007, at 1:35 PM

thank you, I signed up.

Amanda

-- Posted by weezie84 on Fri, Aug 10, 2007, at 4:47 PM

That is really good to see. With the exception of HJR99 which basically sounds like it is saying that, unless you spay or neuter your pets, then you're not a responsible pet owner. There are many happy pets that belong to responsible pet owners that still have all of their "bits & pieces". They should also make being a spectator at or actively participating in an animal fight a felony. They should bring back public stoning for people that participate in, or enjoy watching, such things.

-- Posted by Thom on Sun, Aug 12, 2007, at 10:19 AM

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