Senate Bill 1794 amends Tennessee law regarding dangerous dogs by establishing a new framework for the identification, registration, and management of such dogs. The bill defines a "dangerous dog" as one that causes bodily injury through unprovoked attacks or instills a reasonable fear of attack in a person. Owners of dangerous dogs are required to register their pets with the local animal control authority within 30 days of learning their dog is classified as dangerous, maintain liability insurance of at least $100,000, and ensure the dog is restrained or kept in a secure enclosure. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the seizure of the dog by animal control authorities, and the court may order the humane destruction of the dog if the owner does not comply within specified timeframes.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the animal control authority maintain a public registry of dangerous dogs, which includes the dog's name, owner's information, and registration details. The registry must be accessible online, and owners are responsible for notifying the authority of any attacks by their registered dangerous dog. Violations of the new regulations can result in misdemeanor charges, with increased penalties for repeat offenses. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.