Metro Nashville prosecutes animal hoarding under Title 5 cruelty provisions and Tennessee state law, allowing seizure when conditions endanger animals. MACC officers and MNPD investigate, and convictions can include forfeiture and treatment orders.
Animal hoarding is treated as both a cruelty violation under Metro Title 5 and a state offense under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39, Chapter 14. MACC officers may inspect with consent or a warrant when complaints describe excessive animals, illness, or unsanitary conditions. Seizure is authorized when animals are at imminent risk. Metro and Davidson County General Sessions Court can order forfeiture, restitution for veterinary costs, mental health evaluation, and bans on owning animals for set periods. Repeat or aggravated cases can be charged as felonies under TCA 39-14-212. MNPD assists when criminal charges are filed. Reports come through hubNashville (311) or MACC dispatch.
Misdemeanor cruelty up to $2,500 fine and 11 months 29 days jail; aggravated cruelty under TCA 39-14-212 is Class E felony with forfeiture and ownership ban.
Nashville, TN
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Nashville, TN
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See how Nashville's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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