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A law is only as effective as the enforcement of it

Many don't know this, but Tennessee already has a variety of laws in place that should reduce the issues we're having. The problem? They're not enforced. It would be unfair of us to assume why enforcement falls short. However, based on many conversations and the climate of our pet landscape, we're confident that most of the reason for minimal enforcement boils down to two things: too many animals and not enough resources. Our municipal shelters are experiencing an unprecedented amount of strain as they continue to operate at capacity, putting their backs against the wall. Additionally, penalties for crimes related to animal welfare are so minimal that they're often dismissed by the state because of how costly it is to prosecute them.​

Image of an Animal Control truck

So what does this mean? We disrupt the rapid growth of our animal population.

Many don't know this but Tennessee already has a variety of laws in place that should reduce the issues we're having. The problem? They're not enforced. It would be unfair of us to assume why enforcement falls short. However, based on many conversations and the climate of our pet landscape, we're confident that most of the reason for minimal enforcement boils down to two things: too many animals and not enough resources. Our municipal shelters are experiencing an unprecedented amount of strain as they continue to operate at capacity, putting their backs against the wall.

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So what does this mean? We disrupt the rapid growth of our animal population. At the same time, we examine current legislation to identify any gaps or loopholes. While the name of our organization is Laws Saving Paws, we'll be the first to tell you that laws aren't created overnight, and they're not always the answer. Our approach is multi-faceted and includes public education, behavior change initiatives, policy advocacy, and research. Our hope is that these efforts will produce shifting attitudes/beliefs, substantial reduction animal population growth, and legislative action. 

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Here's what's on our radar right now:

Tennessee Animal Abuser Registration Act
§§ 40-39-101 — 40-et seq. This database only includes felony convictions, and leaving many instances of abuse undocumented or made aware to the public.

City of Columbia ordinance

§ 44-8-408 Dogs not allowed at large. With so many exceptions, we believe there's room for more accountability. 

Tennessee State Law

§ 44-17-502 Tennessee Spay/Neuter Law - requirement for adoption. We have reason to believe this is not always followed, and there is a clear lack of enforcement.

Tennessee State Law

§ 63-12-139 Veterinary Practice – premises permits. The requirements to obtain a permit make it virtually impossible for any large-volume, temporary clinics to set up in Tenessee.

City of Nashville ordinance

Ordinance No. BL2009-606 - outdoor sale or gifting of animals prohibited. We have reason to believe this is a lack of enforcement pertaining to this.

Here's a New Jersey law enacted to help regulate unethical breeding:

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"A member of the public who supplies information to an enforcing authority which proximately results in the imposition and collection of a civil penalty as the result of a civil action brought pursuant to [insert point of reference here] of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted, administrative order issued, or assessment imposed pursuant thereto, shall be entitled to a reward of 10% of the civil penalty collected, or $350, whichever amount is greater."

Legislation is a complex process to navigate. Because of this, we refuse to be anything but strategic, intentional, and ready. If there's no pathway for a law to be upheld or fulfilled by our citizens, that means we're not ready to take action. We hope that this doesn't give you discouragement but instead a clearer understanding of our path to change.

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