Don’t even think about leaving your dog or cat in a shelter or on the side of the road anywhere in Tennessee, which includes DeKalb County.

It’s called abandonment, which is a form of animal cruelty.  As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, it is against the law.  Case in point.  It is a Class A Misdemeanor under Tennessee Code 39-14-202.  To reiterate, this law makes it illegal to “unreasonably” abandon an animal in one’s custody.

A recent bill, HBOO76, clarifies this by stating that leaving an animal in a shelter without reasonable arrangements for its care still constitutes “abandonment.”

There are several key points pertaining to this new law, which follows:

·         ABANDONMENT IS A CRIME:  Abandoning an animal in one’s custody, whether at a shelter or elsewhere (not specified) is a form of animal cruelty.

·         REASONABLE ARRANGEMENTS:  This is crucial.  Simply leaving an animal at a shelter or a veterinary clinic is not a defense against abandonment charges if the owner did not make reasonable arrangements for the animal’s continued care.

·         CONSIQUENCES:  Conviction can lead to penalties, including fines, surrender of the animal, and restrictions on owning other animals.

·         REPORTING:  If you find, or know of, an abandoned animal, contact your local animal control agency immediately.

The consequences of animal abandonment in Tennessee include that dogs and cats face an uncertain fate and once left on the streets, they must fend for themselves and may suffer from hunger, thirst, injuries and diseases.  One of the major maladies is the feeling of being distressed and confused because they have been left on their own in unfamiliar places and territories by their owners.

If you find or know of abandoned animals, contact your local animal control agency immediately.  Their phone number is 615-597-3647 and address is 186 Transfer Station Road, Smithville, TN  37166.

“Stop getting animals if you can’t take care of them,” was posted in Daily Quotes.  As was, “Animals have feelings too.”