NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee is taking a firmer stand against animal cruelty with a proposed bill that seeks to impose stricter penalties on both adults and minors.

The new legislation, crafted by Representative John Gillespie from Memphis, aims to elevate the seriousness of animal cruelty from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. Currently, Class E felonies, the least severe in the state, come with a potential one- to six-year prison term and fines reaching $3,000. In contrast, Class D felonies involve a more severe two- to 12-year imprisonment and fines up to $5,000.

Steve Gatlin, who leads animal control in Wilson County, expressed to News 2 that the bill underscores Tennessee’s commitment to addressing animal cruelty.

“We aim to support individuals, but those who engage in such acts often require substantial intervention,” Gatlin remarked. “Many won’t seek help voluntarily, which is why court-mandated assistance is crucial. This bill represents a significant advancement, especially with its focus on juveniles.”

The proposal also seeks to categorize animal cruelty as a crime that could classify a juvenile as a serious youthful offender. This designation applies to young offenders who commit acts equivalent to Class A or B felonies for adults, exposing them to more severe penalties, such as combined juvenile and adult sentencing.

Data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in 2023 revealed a concerning trend: animal cruelty cases surged by almost 40% between 2020 and 2022.

Gatlin believes the bill is a step in the right direction.

“I see these steps that the legislature is doing as positive, but we need to do more in Tennessee,” Gatlin said. “We need to advance these laws and show that we are serious about taking care of our animals and doing the things necessary to be better stewards of the animals we have.”