TENNESSEE MOVES TO MAKE STARVING LIVESTOCK TO DEATH A FELONY
Tennessee lawmakers have introduced companion bills—House Bill 2263 (sponsored by Rep. Martin G.) and Senate Bill 2133 (sponsored by Sen. Haile and Sen. Campbell)—to strengthen penalties for animal cruelty involving livestock.
The proposed legislation would add starvation that results in the death of a livestock animal (such as horses) to the list of acts constituting aggravated cruelty to livestock, elevating it from a misdemeanor to a Class E felony.
This change aims to close a gap in current law by treating prolonged starvation leading to death as seriously as other forms of extreme cruelty already classified as felonies. The bills are scheduled for consideration in the House and Senate Judiciary committees in the coming week, and supporters are encouraged to contact their legislators to voice approval for the measure.
