Tennessee § 68-8-109 - Observation period by confinement or quarantine — Investigation.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-8-109 — Observation period by confinement or quarantine — Investigation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 68-8-109. Observation period by confinement or quarantine — Investigation.

If any animal has bitten any person, is suspected of having bitten any person or is for any reason suspected of being infected with rabies, the animal may be required to be placed under an observation period either by confinement or by quarantine for a period of time deemed necessary by the commissioner or rules of the department. The act of investigating the bite or rabies exposure and placing the animal under observation by confinement or quarantine shall be accomplished either by the department or by the animal control program, in either the county or municipality wherein either the animal owner or the person bitten resides, in consultation with the department. The confinement, quarantine or other disposition of the animal shall follow the current recommendations in the national rabies compendium unless more specific guidelines are designated by duly promulgated rules of the department or as deemed necessary by the commissioner to protect the public's health. The observation period by confinement or quarantine may occur at the animal owner's home at the discretion of the department or the animal control program. Acts 2004, ch. 765, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Former chapter 8, §§ 68-8-101 — 68-8-115 (Acts 1953, ch. 252, §§ 1-14 (Williams, § 5109.20-5109.33); 1955, ch. 211, §§ 1, 2; 1957, ch. 277, §§ 1, 2; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 4; 1961, ch. 205, § 1; 1971, ch. 290, § 1-4; 1972, ch. 732, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 16, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.) § 53-901 — 53-914; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1995, ch. 439, § 1; 1999, ch. 387, § 1; 2002, ch. 767, § 5), concerning the Tennessee Anti-Rabies Law, were repealed by Acts 2004, ch. 765, § 1, effective July 1, 2005. For provisions concerning the Tennessee Anti-Rabies Law, effective July 1, 2005, see §§ 68-8-101 — 68-8-113 .

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 68-8-109

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-8-109 cover?

Section 68-8-109 ("Observation period by confinement or quarantine — Investigation.") 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 § 68-8-109?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-8-109" (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 § 68-8-109 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.