The voices of Tennessee dog owners were heard!
Senate Bill 2013, legislation supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), was signed by Governor Bill Lee on June 1st, and takes effect on July 1, 2022. Also known as “Joker’s Law,” this bill revises the offense of killing or severely injuring a police, fire, search-and-rescue, or service dog.
Tennessee residents who supported this legislation are encouraged to thank the bill sponsors:
SB 2013 sponsor: Senator Mike Bell
SB 2013 co-sponsors: Senators Mark Pody, Rusty Crowe, Jack Johnson, Frank S. Nicely, and Shane Reeves
Companion bill (HB 1646) sponsor: Rep. Mark Hall
View advocacy resources from AKC Government Relations at www.akcgr.org and www.akc.org/government-relations. You’ll find information about issues that affect dogs and dog owners, how you can support good bills like Joker’s Law, and how to effectively oppose problematic legislation.
Please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org for additional information.