House Bill 76, sponsored by Stevens, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 39-14-202(a)(3), which addresses criminal offenses against animals. The bill modifies the existing language by deleting the previous subdivision and replacing it with a new provision that clarifies the offense of abandoning an animal in one's custody. The new language specifies that it is not a valid defense for a person to claim they abandoned the animal at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or other sheltering location if they did not make reasonable arrangements for the animal's care.

This legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the abandonment of animals, ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their responsibilities toward pets and other animals in their custody. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare in the state of Tennessee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-14-202(a)(3), 39-14-202