Tennessee § 44-8-103 - Horses, cattle, and mules sufficiently fenced.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-103 — Horses, cattle, and mules sufficiently fenced., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-8-103. Horses, cattle, and mules sufficiently fenced.
The following shall be sufficient and be deemed a lawful fence only as to horses, cattle, and mules: any enclosure made by stretching not less than five (5) strands of barbed wire tightly between posts firmly set in the ground, or between growing trees and posts firmly set in the ground, not more than twenty feet (20') apart; the topmost wire not less than four and one-half feet (4½') from the ground, the bottom wire not less than six inches (6"), and the next to the bottom wire not less than fifteen inches (15") from the ground. Acts 1883, ch. 46, § 1; Shan., § 2981; Code 1932, § 5204; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 44-1703, 44-9-103. Compiler's Notes. Former part 1, §§ 44-8-101 — 44-8-112 , concerning running at large, was transferred to part 4 of this chapter in 1987. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 13 Tenn. Juris., Fences, § 1. Cited: Higgins v. Vinson, 549 S.W.2d 161, 1976 Tenn. App. LEXIS 255 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1976).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 44-8-103
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-103 cover?
Section 44-8-103 ("Horses, cattle, and mules sufficiently fenced.") 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 § 44-8-103?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-103" (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 § 44-8-103 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.