A resolution supporting House Bill 1474 / Senate Bill 0374, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, which would increase the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony.

WHEREAS, the recent tragic death of the dog "Gizmo" was a senseless, needless, act that has deprived the owners of a loving companion and friend; and

WHEREAS, the incident has drawn needed attention to Tennessee's animal welfare laws; and

WHEREAS, stiffer penalties for acts of animal cruelty can and will act as a deterrent to prevent these mindless acts from happening in the future; and

WHEREAS, T.C.A. 39-14-212(d) currently designates the crime of aggravated animal cruelty as a Class A misdemeanor for a first-time conviction and a Class E felony for subsequent convictions; and

WHEREAS, State Representatives Rob Briley and Janis Sontany, and State Senators Steve Cohen, Jerry Cooper, Curtis Person and Ward Crutchfield have sponsored House Bill 1474 and Senate Bill 0374, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, part of which would increase the penalty for acts of aggravated animal cruelty to the level of a Class E felony; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County go on record as supporting House Bill 1474 and Senate Bill 0374.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting House Bill 1474 / Senate Bill 0374, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, which would increase the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Vivian Wilhoite, Erik Cole