Tennessee Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Key Facts

Liability statute: T.C.A. 44-8-413
Running at large: Owner strictly liable
State leash length: Not specified
Enforcement: Local animal control

Full Breakdown

T.C.A. 44-8-408 establishes statewide owner liability for dogs that run at large and the well-known one-bite and dangerous dog framework. Cities and counties can enact stricter leash ordinances and they routinely do; Nashville and Knoxville require dogs to be leashed in public. State law does not mandate a uniform leash length, but it makes owners civilly liable when an unleashed dog injures a person on public property or lawfully on private property.

Violations & Penalties

Civil liability for injuries caused by dogs running at large; local leash citations typically range from $25 to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a statewide leash law in Tennessee?

Tennessee has no uniform leash-length statute. T.C.A. 44-8-413 imposes owner liability for dogs running at large, and most cities require leashes in public spaces.

Can a Tennessee owner be sued for an off-leash dog bite?

Yes. Owners are strictly liable when a dog runs at large and injures someone on public property or another person's property under T.C.A. 44-8-413.

Tennessee Dog Control and Dangerous Dog Statutes

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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