When the Cold Weather Comes, It Matters Where You Keep the DogTennessee just had its first snowfall of the year – and if looks like we might see a lot more of it in the coming months. That means we need to put in our storm windows, make sure our pipes are in good condition, and keep some extra blankets and firewood out in order to keep our families safe and warm.

It also means we need to take care of our animals: those who work for us, those we keep as companions, and those which fall somewhere in between. While our state does not have any laws specifically regarding leaving your animals out in the snow, we do have some strict laws about what constitutes animal cruelty – and some strict fines and punishments if you are convicted of that crime.

Tennessee’s animal cruelty laws

Also referred to as cruelty to animals, animal abuse, and animal neglect, animal cruelty is causing physical and/or lethal pain to animals and can take various forms.

Under TN Code § 39-14-202 (2016), “A person commits an offense who intentionally or knowingly:

  1. Tortures, maims or grossly overworks an animal;
  2. Fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter for an animal in the person’s custody;
  3. Abandons unreasonably an animal in the person’s custody;
    [or]
  4. Transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner; or

A person commits an offense who knowingly ties, tethers, or restrains a dog in a manner that results in the dog suffering bodily injury as defined in § 39-11-106” could be convicted of animal cruelty.

The law classifies first-time animal cruelty offenses as Class A misdemeanors, the most severe in the class. A conviction means you might spend up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, and/or be fined up to $2500. Additional convictions are categorized as Class E felonies; so is a conviction of Aggravated cruelty to animals. Class E felony convictions carry fines of up to $3000, and a prison sentence of between 1 and six years.

Remember, too, that there is a loss of civil rights that comes with a felony conviction – especially if the conviction involved a charge of violent behavior. In the case of aggravated cruelty, it is possible that you will lose your right to vote and your right to own a firearm, among other rights. At this time, neither of these charges is eligible for expungement.

Quick tips to protect your pets in the cold weather

There are a few things you can do to help protect your pets from the cold this winter. Here are some things you can do to keep them safe:

  • Use a towel to dry your pet or pets after being on snow. Clean your pet’s or pets’ paws after contact with ice, salt, and other possible hazards.
  • Refrain from shaving your dogs unless the breed specifically calls for it, or you’ve spoken to your vet first. Shaving can damage the undercoat which keeps them warm in the winter.
  • If your dog lives outside, make sure to supply plenty of blankets and a shelter with a roof and sides, so he can keep himself warm. Double check the water supply, too; bowls can freeze over easily.
  • Don’t stop giving your pet his monthly flea and tick removal. Ticks can live in the winter months, so long as the ground itself isn’t frozen.

At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we protect the rights of the accused. To learn more about our services, please call (865) 428-8780  or fill out our contact form. We are proud to service clients in Sevierville, Seymour, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and throughout the region.