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TN SB1794

TN SB1794
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 44, relative to dangerous dogs.


summary

Introduced
01/20/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

114th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As introduced, requires the owner of a dangerous dog to register the dangerous dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept for a period of three years, restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash or in a secure enclosure, and obtain liability insurance coverage; establishes a public dangerous dog registry. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 44.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new regulations for owners of "dangerous dogs," defined as dogs that have caused unprovoked bodily injury to a person or caused a person to reasonably fear an attack, outside of a secure enclosure. Owners of such dogs must register them with their local animal control authority for three years, maintain liability insurance of at least $100,000 to cover potential damages, and ensure the dog is always restrained on a leash or kept in a secure enclosure, which is defined as a locked, public-proof, and escape-proof fenced area clearly marked as containing a dangerous dog. The bill also creates a public registry of dangerous dogs accessible online, and outlines procedures for investigation, appeals, impoundment, and potential destruction of dangerous dogs, with owners responsible for associated costs. Failure to comply with these provisions can result in misdemeanor charges, and certain individuals like law enforcement or animal control personnel are exempt from these requirements when handling dogs in their professional capacity.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/22/2026)

bill text


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