Memorials, Recognition - Tennessee Shelter Animal Awareness Month -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Jackson

Declares May 2025 as Tennessee Shelter Animal Awareness Month and promotes No-Kill philosophy, encouraging adoption and lifesaving programs without new laws or funding.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Energy, Ag., & Natural Resources Committee

#memorials #recognition

Bill overview

Jurisdiction: Tennessee

Session: 114

Sponsor: Sen. Ed Jackson (primary); Co-sponsor listed as Ed Jackson (likely a formatting note, but indicates sponsor presence)

Title: Memorials, Recognition — Tennessee Shelter Animal Awareness Month

Type: Memorial resolution (non-binding)

Purpose: To declare May 2025 as “Tennessee Shelter Animal Awareness Month” and to express support for No-Kill and lifesaving practices in Tennessee animal shelters.

Main purpose and intent

The bill aims to commemorate May 2025 as Tennessee Shelter Animal Awareness Month.

It publicly endorses the No-Kill philosophy (saving healthy or treatable dogs and cats in shelters with a goal of 90% live release, or a “ninety percent save rate”).

It encourages Tennesseans to adopt from shelters to help achieve a 90% save rate and promotes the use of lifesaving programs in shelters.

Key provisions and changes

Recognition: The resolution declares May 2025 as Tennessee Shelter Animal Awareness Month and acknowledges efforts by animal shelters and rescue organizations in Tennessee to reduce euthanasia and increase adoptions.

No-Kill framework: It outlines the No-Kill philosophy and links increased adoptions to achieving a high save rate, noting that a 90% adoption/saving rate is possible with community participation.

Lifesaving programs highlighted: The resolution lists supportive measures shelters may employ to prioritize lifesaving, including:

Foster care networks
Adoption programs
Medical and behavioral programs
Public education and awareness initiatives
Community cat Trap-Neuter-Vaccine-Return (TNVR)
Animal socialization programs

Call to action: Encourages Tennesseans to work toward No-Kill in Tennessee in 2025 through participation in or support of these lifesaving programs.

Affected parties and impacts

Primary beneficiaries: Shelter animals (dogs and cats) in Tennessee, rescue organizations, and shelter staff/volunteers.

Public impact: Provides a statewide commemorative framework to raise awareness about shelter animal welfare and promote adoption over purchase.

No binding changes: As a memorial resolution, it does not create new statutory requirements, funding, or regulatory mandates. It serves as a formal expression of support and awareness.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: March 27, 2025

First Consideration: March 31, 2025

Second Consideration: April 3, 2025 (passed)

Committee actions: In 2026, assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Energy, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee

Current status (as of last update): Pending additional committee consideration in 2026

The resolution’s passage is procedural and symbolic, designed to promote awareness rather than to alter laws or funding.

Practical takeaway

This bill would publicly recognize May 2025 as a month dedicated to shelter animal awareness in Tennessee and promotes adoption and lifesaving practices without enacting new legal requirements or financial obligations. It signals legislative support for animal welfare initiatives and No-Kill-aligned strategies within the state.

Bill