Tennessee law makes it unlawful for livestock owners to willfully let animals run at large, so Hamilton County livestock must be fenced or confined. Where livestock may be kept is set by county zoning for unincorporated land and by city codes inside towns.
Under TCA 44-8-401, owners of livestock (as defined in TCA 43-1-114, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine) may not willfully allow them to run at large, making secure fencing and confinement a statewide duty. Hamilton County's zoning through the Regional Planning Agency (TCA 13-7-101) determines which unincorporated districts allow livestock and any acreage or density standards; agricultural land is broadly permissive, and right-to-farm protects established operations. Inside Chattanooga and other cities, zoning typically restricts livestock to larger or agricultural parcels. Owners are responsible for maintaining fences and for damage caused by escaped animals.
Willfully allowing livestock to run at large is a Class C misdemeanor under TCA 44-8-401. Owners are also liable for property damage or roadway hazards caused by escaped animals, plus any local zoning penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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