Tennessee HB1444 amends animal cruelty laws, changing penalties and definitions.

Tennessee HB1444 amends the state's animal cruelty statutes by modifying the classification of certain offenses. It changes the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class B felony or Class D felony, and adjusts the classification of other animal cruelty offenses to Class D felony. The bill also adds a new subdivision for aggravated cruelty to animals, as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-212. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to acts committed on or after that date.

Tennessee HB1444 amends animal cruelty laws, changing penalties and definitions.

Tennessee HB1444 amends the state's animal cruelty statutes by modifying the classification of certain offenses. It changes the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class B felony or Class D felony, and adjusts the classification of other animal cruelty offenses to Class D felony. The bill also adds a new subdivision for aggravated cruelty to animals, as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-212. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to acts committed on or after that date.