A Tennessee bill that would have created a statewide dangerous dog registry has been tabled by lawmakers, effectively halting its progress for the current legislative cycle. Senate Bill 1794 It has been taken into consideration as part of broader discussions around public safety and animal control measures. Tabling typically means that lawmakers have chosen to set it aside without taking further action.
Dangerous Dog Registry Proposal
SB 1794 sought to establish a centralized registry for dogs deemed dangerous under state or local determinations as a way to track dogs involved in serious incidents and to require additional oversight for ownership and handling.
Among other provisions, SB 1794 would have:
- Created a statewide registry of dogs classified as dangerous.
- Required owners of designated dogs to comply with specific control and containment measures.
- Established reporting requirements for incidents involving registered dogs.
- Allowed for enforcement actions and penalties for noncompliance.
Ultimately, lawmakers opted to table the bill, citing the need for further stakeholder engagement and consideration of the policy’s broader implications.
The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) continues to monitor developments in Tennessee and will provide updates should similar legislation be reintroduced or reconsidered in a future session.
For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.