Tennessee House Bill HB1320

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 44, Chapter 17, relative to criminal offenses.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will add to the legal framework protecting animals in Tennessee during emergencies. Specifically, it criminalizes the act of restraining a dog under dangerous conditions, designating such an act as a Class C misdemeanor. This points to an evolving understanding of criminal offenses related to animal treatment, especially in scenarios where outdoor conditions could lead to suffering or harm to pets. Enforcement of this law would require owners to be more vigilant about their pets' safety in times of disaster.

Summary

House Bill 1320 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to include provisions that specifically address the treatment of dogs during natural or manmade disasters. It establishes a new offense relating to the restraint of a dog using a chain or similar device when a disaster warning or evacuation order is in effect. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that dogs are not left unattended and in distress during such critical situations, reflecting a growing concern for animal welfare within the context of disaster management.

Contention

The path toward the passage of HB1320 could face discussion regarding how it balances animal rights with property rights and personal freedom. Some opponents might raise concerns about the implications of such legal restrictions on pet ownership, arguing that the law might impose undue burdens or liability on pet owners during already stressful situations. However, supporters may argue that the state has a duty to protect animals and ensure that they are treated humanely, especially when facing imminent dangers.