The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Tennessee residents to join in support of House Bill 76, which seeks to further clarify the state’s animal abandonment law.
SUMMARY
Under current law, anyone who unreasonably abandons an animal in their custody is subject to prosecution for animal cruelty. If enacted as currently worded, HB 76 would add that it is not a defense against a cruelty charge if a person abandons an animal at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or other place of shelter if they did not make reasonable arrangements for the care of the animal.
POSITION: SUPPORT
Dog owners bear a special responsibility to their canine companions to provide proper care and humane treatment at all times. Proper care and humane treatment include an adequate and nutritious diet, clean water, safe and clean living and travel conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship, and training in appropriate behavior. AKC supports HB 76 because it would further urge those seeking to end their ownership of a dog to ensure that it is always in the possession of a caregiving party.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
HB 76 is scheduled to be considered by the Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee at 9AM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Tennessee residents are encouraged to contact the members of the subcommittee to express support for HB 76 as introduced and request its approval.
Representative Clay Doggett, Chair – (615) 741-7476, rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Fred Atchley – (615) 741-5981, rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Andrew Farmer – (615) 741-4419, rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Representative William Lamberth – (615) 741-1980, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Mary Littleton – (615) 741-7477, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Jason Powell – (615) 741-6861, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Lowell Russell – (615) 741-3736, rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Gabby Salinas – (615) 741-1920, rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Rick Scarbrough – (615) 741-4400, rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.