Tennessee § 5-1-120 - Power to regulate stray animals.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 5-1-120 — Power to regulate stray animals., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-1-120. Power to regulate stray animals.
Counties, by resolution of their respective legislative bodies, may license and regulate dogs and cats, establish and operate shelters and other animal control facilities, and regulate, capture, impound and dispose of stray dogs, stray cats and other stray animals. Acts 1995, ch. 264, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Acts 1995, ch. 264, § 2 provided that it is not the intent of the general assembly in enacting that act to allow any county to prohibit or in any way impede any municipality in exercising any power or authority the municipality may lawfully exercise. Attorney General Opinions. T.C.A. §§ 5-1-118(c)(1) and 5-1-120 implicitly authorize a county to regulate businesses that involve the keeping of dogs or cats and to charge a reasonable regulatory fee, OAG 06-161, 2006 Tenn. AG LEXIS 181 (10/11/06).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 5-1-120
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 5-1-120 cover?
Section 5-1-120 ("Power to regulate stray animals.") 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 § 5-1-120?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 5-1-120" (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 § 5-1-120 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.