AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 2; Title 43; Title 44; Title 63, Chapter 12 and Title 70, relative to microchips in animals.
If enacted, HB2738 would impact the state's animal control and welfare laws significantly by introducing a standardized method for identifying Class I carnivores, such as certain wild and exotic animals. The bill aims to improve accountability and traceability for pet owners and potentially assist in animal recovery efforts if the animal is lost. The legislation highlights a shift towards stricter control of exotic pet ownership in Tennessee.
House Bill 2738 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the requirement of implanting microchips in Class I carnivores. This legislation mandates that any individual who acquires a Class I carnivore after July 1, 2015, must have a microchip implanted in the animal within six months of ownership. The microchip must bear a unique identification number and contain a passive integrated transponder operating at designated frequencies. This law seeks to enhance identification and tracking of such animals.
While the bill does not appear to have generated significant controversy, potential points of contention relate to concerns raised by advocates for animal rights and pet owners regarding the implications of mandated microchipping. Concerns may include issues of personal privacy, the costs associated with microchipping, and whether the legislation could lead to increased regulation of pet ownership. Furthermore, the law's implementation timeline, effective from July 1, 2024, allows time for education on compliance among pet owners and those involved in animal sales.