Mark Required Fields In Legal Tennessee Animals Forms For Free

Some species in Tennessee are illegal to possess, such as bats, skunks, and owls. Others, like flying squirrels, bobcats, native mice, and native chipmunks require a TWRA permit. The species that do not require a permit surprisingly include capuchin monkeys, caimans, giraffes, and sea otters.

Part 1 - Theft. § 39-14-103. Theft of Property. A person commits theft of property if, with intent to deprive the owner of property, the person knowingly obtains or exercises control over the property without the owner's effective consent.

Owners would be allowed to have 1-5 dogs and cats on less than 1.0 acre, up to 10 on 1.5 acres or more, up to 20 on 2.5 acres or more, and 21+ on 5 acres or more. Pet owners would have 15 days to come into compliance. Veterinary clinics, kennels, boarding facilities, licensed pet shops and pet dealers are exempted.

Section 44-8-413 goes on to say that the owner may be held liable regardless of whether the dog has shown any dangerous propensities or whether the dog's owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous propensities. So, under this law, a dog owner is held "strictly liable" if the stated conditions are met.

As a general rule, dogs must be under the control of their owner or caretaker at all times. Dogs cannot run loose unless they are engaged in legal hunting or herding. If a person violates these laws, they may be charged with a criminal offense.

Code § 44-8-401. Section 44-8-401 - Livestock not to run at large - Punishment (a) It is unlawful for the owners of any livestock, as defined in § 43-1-114, to willfully allow the livestock to run at large in this state. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.