§ 44-17-501. Short Title
This part shall be known and may be cited as “The Tennessee Spay/Neuter Law.”
§ 44-17-502. Requirement for Adoption
No person shall adopt a dog or cat from an agency, including, but not limited to, an animal shelter, dog pound, animal control agency or humane shelter operated by a municipality, county, or other governmental agency within the state, or a private organization operating a shelter from which animals are adopted or reclaimed, unless: The […]
§ 44-17-503. Deposit — Forfeiture of Deposit — Use of Forfeited Deposits
If the dog or cat being adopted has not been spayed or neutered, the agency shall require a deposit of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) from the new owner prior to the adoption in order to ensure that the dog or cat is spayed or neutered. The new owner may request and shall receive […]
§ 44-17-504. Petition for Compliance
If a person fails to comply with this part, the agency may file a petition with a court of competent jurisdiction seeking compliance and/or requesting return of the dog or cat to the agency from which it was adopted.
§ 44-17-505. Dogs or Cats Claimed by Owner
Nothing in this part shall be construed to authorize an agency to spay or neuter a dog or cat, if the dog or cat is being claimed by and returned to its lawful owner within seven (7) days of the dog or cat being taken into custody by the agency.