New animal abandonment bill pending in Tennessee

The Tennessee State Legislature convened on February 12, 2025, to introduce Senate Bill 433, a legislative measure aimed at strengthening protections for animals against abandonment. This bill, proposed by Senator Reeves, seeks to amend existing laws under Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting criminal offenses related to animal welfare. This bill specifically targets criminal offenses related to animal abandonment.

The bill clarifies that it is not a valid defense to claim that the animal was left at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or similar facility unless reasonable arrangements for the animal's care were made. This change aims to strengthen the legal framework protecting animals from neglect and abandonment. The House will not continue discussion on this bill until after the budget is passed. Since this bill has a fiscal note and is not funded in the governor’s budget, it will have to be added at the end of budget discussions.

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