Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In Tennessee, animal cruelty is addressed under Tennessee Code Title 39 - Criminal Offenses, Chapter 14 - Offenses Against Property, Part 2 - Animals. The law defines animal cruelty to include acts of neglect, such as failing to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in one's custody, as well as intentional acts of abuse, such as torturing, maiming, or mutilating an animal. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which involves more severe forms of abuse and can include the killing of an animal, is considered a more serious offense. Penalties for animal cruelty in Tennessee can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and whether the perpetrator has previous convictions for similar offenses. The state also has laws against animal fighting, which is a felony offense. It is important for individuals in Tennessee to understand that the state takes animal welfare seriously and that there are legal consequences for those who mistreat animals.