Senate Bill 2738 filed for introduction 1/14/08 Tommy Kilby:

"Creates a class A misdemeanor of knowingly owning a pit bull in this state"

The expanded version of the bill defines pit bull:

(2) "Pit bull dog" means any pit bull terrier; and

(3) "Pit bull terrier" means any American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog or American Staffordshire terrier breed of dog or any mixed breed of dog which contains as fifty percent (50%) of its breeding the breed of American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog or American Staffordshire terrier, so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog or American Staffordshire terrier.

(b) It is an offense for any person to knowingly own a pit bull dog in this state.

(c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) In addition to the penalty imposed in subsection (c), the court making the sentencing determination for a person convicted under this section shall order the person convicted to surrender custody and forfeit the pit bull dog or pit bull dogs person convicted is the owner of the pit bull dog or dogs. Custody shall be given to a humane society incorporated under the laws of this state.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution under any other provision of law.

A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.   Did you know that being a spectator at a dog fight is only a Class C Misdemeanor in Tennessee ? The passing of SB2738 would make being a responsible pit bull owner a more severe crime and inflict harsher penalties than actually knowingly participating in a crime!

To see the entire bill at:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ENTIRE BILL

Contact Info for TN Sen. Kilby, Sponsor of TENNESSEE: SB2738

TOMMY KILBY
sen.tommy.kilby@ legislature. state.tn. us
D - Wartburg
District 12 - Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane and Scott counties

District Address
118 Henry Heidel Lane
Wartburg, TN 37887

Nashville Address
10A Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243-0212
Phone (615) 741-1449
Fax (615) 253-0237
Staff Contact: Nadine Korby, Jeremy Davis, Research Analyst

It is very important for everyone to contact the members of the Committee with their POLITE AND RESPECTFUL opposition to this bill.

Senate Judiciary Committee Email Contact info:

sen.mae.beavers@legislature.state.tn.us;
sen.diane.black@legislature.state.tn.us,;
sen.beverly.marrero@legislature.state.tn.us;
sen.paul.stanley@legislature.state.tn.us;
sen.james.kyle@legislature.state.tn.us;
sen.jamie.woodson@legislature.state.tn.us
sen.john.wilder@legislature.state.tn.us;
sen.mark.norris@legislature.state.tn.us;
sen.doug.jackson@legislature.state.tn.us;