1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Rutherford County PAWS (Pet Adoption & Welfare Services) enforces animal control under the County's PAWS Rules and Regulations together with Tennessee Code Annotated 44-8-408 (Dogs Not Allowed at Large). A PAWS Animal Services officer may impound a dog found at large. Licensed dogs with ID tag or microchip are held a minimum of 5 business days. Owners must pay impound, board, vaccination, and other fees to redeem; subsequent impounds of the same animal double the impound fee. PAWS serves unincorporated Rutherford County and the City of Murfreesboro. Contact PAWS dispatch through the Sheriff non-emergency line at 615-898-7770.
Rutherford County PAWS (Animal Services) Rules and Regulations, Article IX Running at large (rev. June 3, 2025)
"At large" means that an animal is off the property of its owner and not under the control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal by an appropriate leash for the size, age and weight of the animal. "Properly restrained" means (i) controlled by a competent person over eighteen (18) years of age by means of a chain, leash, or other like device not to exceed six foot (6') in leng...
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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