2021 Tennessee Code
Title 39 - Criminal Offenses
Chapter 14 - Offenses Against Property
Part 2 - Animals
§ 39-14-213. Removal of Transmitting Collars or Microchip Implants From Dogs

Universal Citation:
TN Code § 39-14-213 (2021)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.
  1. A person who removes from a dog an electronic or radio transmitting collar or microchip implant without the permission of the owner of the dog and with the intent to prevent or hinder the owner from locating the dog commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fine only; provided, however, that, if the dog wearing an electronic or radio transmitting collar or microchip implant is lost or killed as the proximate result of the removal of the collar or implant, the person commits a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fine only.

  2. Upon conviction for a violation of this section, the court shall order that the violator pay as restitution to the owner the actual value of a dog lost or killed as a result of the removal of an electronic or radio transmitting collar or microchip implant from the dog by the violator. The court may also order the violator to pay as restitution to the owner any breeding revenues forfeited due to the loss or death of a dog.
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