Bill > SB1475

This bill increases the penalties for aggravated cruelty to animals in Tennessee by changing the classification of the offense from a Class E felony to a Class D felony, which typically carries a more serious potential sentence. The bill also adds aggravated cruelty to animals to the list of offenses that allow a juvenile to be classified as a serious youthful offender, meaning younger offenders could be prosecuted more severely for such crimes. Specifically, the legislation amends two sections of Tennessee law: Section 39-14-212, which deals with the classification of animal cruelty offenses, and Section 37-1-131, which governs juvenile justice proceedings. By elevating the offense to a Class D felony and including it in the serious youthful offender provisions, the bill signals a legislative intent to treat animal cruelty as a more significant criminal act. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to any acts of animal cruelty committed on or after that date.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1475&ga=114