TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Nov 7, 2025

A new bill that would increase penalties for animal cruelty charges in Tennessee, SB1475, was introduced Tuesday. The bill would raise the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class E felony to a Class D felony, WSMV reports. The proposal also adds that juveniles who commit aggravated animal cruelty could be classified as “serious youthful offenders.” The bill is sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, while the House version, HB1444, is sponsored by Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis.