SB0433

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 2, relative to criminal offenses committed against animals.

Complete·5/15/25

SB0433 amends Tennessee law to clarify that abandoning an animal in one's custody is a criminal offense, regardless of location.

SB0433 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 2, to redefine the criminal offense of abandoning an animal in one's custody. The bill specifies that abandoning an animal is illegal even if the animal is left at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or other place of shelter, unless the person made reasonable arrangements for the animal's care. This change aims to ensure accountability for animal abandonment, regardless of location. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

D
1
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

92 Yea

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0 Nay

2 Not Voting

DD

Calendar

Mar 31, 2025

12:00 PM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

May 15, 2025

Pub. Ch. 428

May 15, 2025

Effective date(s) 07/01/2025

May 9, 2025

Senate

Signed by Governor.