Tennessee § 39-14-207 Feeding of impounded animals - Care provided by humane society - Recovery of expenses

Tennessee Statutes

§ 39-14-207 — Feeding of impounded animals - Care provided by humane society - Recovery of expenses

Tennessee § 39-14-207

Title39

This text of Tennessee § 39-14-207 (Feeding of impounded animals - Care provided by humane society - Recovery of expenses) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Tennessee primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-207 (2026).

Text

(a)(1) In case any impounded animal is without necessary food and water for more than twelve (12) successive hours, it is lawful for any person, as often as necessary, to enter any place in which any animal is so confined, and to supply it with necessary food and water so long as it remains so confined. Prior to entering, the person must notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of the person's intent to enter and the circumstances justifying the entry. That person shall not be liable to any action for entry, and the reasonable cost of the food and water may be collected from the owner or keeper of the animal. The animal shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon execution issued upon a judgment therefor.

(2)Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), an official, employee, or agent o

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(a) (1) In case any impounded animal is without necessary food and water for more than twelve (12) successive hours, it is lawful for any person, as often as necessary, to enter any place in which any animal is so confined, and to supply it with necessary food and water so long as it remains so confined. Prior to entering, the person must notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of the person's intent to enter and the circumstances justifying the entry. That person shall not be liable to any action for entry, and the reasonable cost of the food and water may be collected from the owner or keeper of the animal. The animal shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon execution issued upon a judgment therefor. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), an official, employee, or agent of the department of agriculture or any other state or local department or agency shall not enter private property without probable cause to believe that a criminal offense has occurred or is occurring. This subdivision (a)(2) does not limit the ability to enter private property pursuant to the consent of the property owner, a warrant, or a recognized warrant exception. (b) In case any animal is injured, diseased, suffering from the elements, or malnourished, and is found at large by any agent of any humane society chartered by the state, the agent may cause adequate veterinary treatment or shelter or nourishment to be furnished to the animal. The society shall have a right of action against the owner of the animal for all necessary and reasonable expenses so incurred. Within forty-eight (48) hours after taking custody of the animal, the society shall make reasonable efforts to notify the owner of the animal's whereabouts and condition. Nothing in this subsection (b) shall affect the right of action of the veterinarian or furnisher of goods or services against the person or persons with whom the veterinarian or furnisher of goods or services contracted for payment of charges. Any such right of action by a humane society may be voided by an owner who elects to forfeit the animal to the society rather than pay for the goods or services rendered.