Bill > HR0168

This resolution, passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives, acknowledges a gap in how fur-bearing animals are regulated. Currently, the Department of Agriculture oversees livestock, while the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) handles wildlife. However, fur-bearing mammals are classified as wildlife but are exempt from TWRA permitting, and they are not considered "livestock" under agricultural laws, creating confusion for those raising animals for their fur and for the agricultural market. Therefore, the resolution calls for the Department of Agriculture and the TWRA to jointly research and provide recommendations on defining fur production as an agricultural product, estimating the number of fur-bearing animal operations, identifying common species, and proposing regulations for animal welfare, public health, and safety, with the goal of informing future legislation to address this regulatory uncertainty.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HR0168&ga=114