Tennessee § 44-8-401 - Livestock not to run at large — Punishment.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-401 — Livestock not to run at large — Punishment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-8-401. Livestock not to run at large — Punishment.
It is unlawful for the owners of any livestock, as defined in § 43-1-114, to willfully allow the livestock to run at large in this state. A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1947, ch. 52, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 5087.1 (Williams, § 5077.1); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 44-1401, 44-8-101; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2014, ch. 568, § 4. Amendments. The 2014 amendment substituted “as defined in § 43-1-114 ” for “as livestock is commonly known and defined” in (a). Effective Dates. Acts 2014, ch. 568, § 6. March 21, 2014. Cross-References. Cattle guards, title 65, ch. 6, part 3. Humane treatment of animals not subject to state game and fish laws, § 5-9-110 . Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 2 Tenn. Juris., Animals, § 33; 13 Tenn. Juris., Fences, § 1. Law Reviews. Negligence — Animals on Highway — Motor Vehicle Accident, 28 Tenn. L. Rev. 290. Cited: Lowery v. Faires, 57 F. Supp. 2d 483, 1998 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 22594 (E.D. Tenn. 1998); McElroy v. Carter, — S.W.3d —, 2006 Tenn. App. LEXIS 635 (Tenn. Ct. App. Sept. 29, 2006).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 44-8-401
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-401 cover?
Section 44-8-401 ("Livestock not to run at large — Punishment.") 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 § 44-8-401?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-401" (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 § 44-8-401 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.