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HB 1902

Animal Control - As introduced, requires the owner of a dangerous dog to register the dangerous dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept for a period of three years, restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash or in a secure enclosure, and obtain liability insurance coverage; establishes a public dangerous dog registry. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 44.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bryan Terry

Tennessee bill requiring owners of dangerous dogs to register, insure, and restrain their animals while establishing a public registry to reduce injury risk.

Def. to Summer Study in Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 1902

Legislative bill overview

HB 1902 establishes mandatory registration and control measures for dogs deemed "dangerous" in Tennessee. Owners must register their dangerous dogs with local animal control for three years, keep them continuously restrained via leash or secure enclosure, and carry liability insurance. The bill also creates a public registry of dangerous dogs accessible to the community.

Why is this important

Dangerous dog incidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations. This legislation aims to reduce harm through accountability mechanisms and creates transparency that allows community members to know about dangerous dogs in their area. It also establishes clear legal standards that animal control authorities can enforce consistently across jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "dangerous dog": The bill references amended sections but doesn't specify the criteria for classification—ambiguity about whether this includes breed-specific designations, bite history, or behavioral assessments could create disagreement
  • Public registry privacy concerns: A public dangerous dog registry could expose owner information and potentially enable harassment or vigilante action, raising privacy and safety questions for registered owners
  • Liability insurance burden: Mandatory insurance requirements may be difficult for low-income owners to afford, potentially incentivizing non-compliance or abandonment rather than responsible ownership
  • Three-year registration period: Questions about whether this duration is evidence-based or whether dogs should be re-evaluated for removal from the registry after demonstrating behavioral improvement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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