Hot Topic: Animal Control Law Revised by Legislature

As of August 15, 2001: The Tennessee General Assembly recently enacted a new law that repeals the Dog and Cat Humane Death Act [Part 3] in its entirety. It was replaced with Chapter 70, referred to as the Non-livestock Animal Humane Death Act. According to Tennessee Code Annotated§ 39-14- 201, "non-livestock animals" refers to common household pets - dogs, cats, rabbits, chicks, ducks, and even potbellied pigs. The new law applies to public and private agencies, animal shelters, and other facilities operated for the collection, care, and/or euthanasia of stray, neglected, abandoned, or unwanted non-livestock animals. It does not apply to exotic animals. Generally, the new Jaw prescribes methods and procedures for euthanizing pets and prescribes penalties for violations.

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