Tennessee § 39-14-201 - Definitions for animal offenses.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-201 — Definitions for animal offenses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-14-201. Definitions for animal offenses.

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: “Animal” means a domesticated living creature or a wild creature previously captured; “Livestock” means all equine as well as animals which are being raised primarily for use as food or fiber for human utilization or consumption including, but not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry; “Non-livestock animal” means a pet normally maintained in or near the household or households of its owner or owners, other domesticated animal, previously captured wildlife, an exotic animal, or any other pet, including but not limited to, pet rabbits, a pet chick, duck, or pot bellied pig that is not classified as “livestock” pursuant to this part; and “Torture” means every act, omission, or neglect whereby unreasonable physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted, but nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting the shooting of birds or game for the purpose of human food or the use of animate targets by incorporated gun clubs. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1997, ch. 90, §§ 2, 5. Cross-References. Tennessee Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act, title 39, ch. 14, part 8. Law Reviews. Crush Videos and the Case for Criminalizing Criminal Depictions (Joseph J. Anclien), 40 U. Mem. L. Rev. 1 (2009). No Walk in the Dog Park: Drafting Animal Cruelty Statutes to Resolve Double Jeopardy Concerns and Eliminate Unfettered Prosecutorial Discretion (Laurie Serafino), 78 Tenn. L. Rev. 1119 (2011).

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-14-201

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-201 cover?

Section 39-14-201 ("Definitions for animal offenses.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 39-14-201?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-201" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 39-14-201 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.