Dog bless Tennessee.
“It’s now a misdemeanor crime for people previously convicted of animal cruelty to violate a judge’s order to stay away from animals.” That’s right: For convicted animal abusers in Tennessee, any infringement of that order could mean up to a year behind bars.
And while that’s not nearly enough – offenders, in my book, should face extended prison time, a lifetime restraining order prohibiting contact with any animal, and maybe even public shaming – it’s a nice, flashy step in the right direction. I’ll take it.
The best part? County officials are already all over the new law, monitoring past violators and ready to enforce the consequences for any breach. It’ll be a great day when we can divert our resources away from rescue and toward prevention. One state is leading the way.
Graceland and now this. I heart Tennessee.
