(a) No entry onto the property of another, arrest, interference with usual and customary agricultural or veterinary practices, confiscation, or any other action authorized by this part or any other law shall be taken in response to an allegation that this part has been violated with regard to livestock unless, prior to or at the time of such action:

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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 39-14-211

  • Agriculture: means :
    (i) The land, buildings and machinery used in the commercial production of farm products and nursery stock. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Allegation: something that someone says happened.
  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Livestock: means all equine as well as animals which are being raised primarily for use as food or fiber for human utilization or consumption including, but not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry. See Tennessee Code 39-14-201
  • Person: includes the singular and the plural and means and includes any individual, firm, partnership, copartnership, association, corporation, governmental subdivision or agency, or other organization or other legal entity, or any agent or servant thereof. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • Property: means anything of value, including, but not limited to, money, real estate, tangible or intangible personal property, including anything severed from land, library material, contract rights, choses-in-action, interests in or claims to wealth, credit, admission or transportation tickets, captured or domestic animals, food and drink, electric or other power. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106
(1) The livestock in question has been examined by:

(A) The commissioner of agriculture or the commissioner’s duly authorized agent trained to conduct livestock cruelty examinations;
(B) A graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine specializing in livestock practice; or
(C) A graduate of an accredited college of agriculture with a specialty in livestock; and
(2) Upon examination of the livestock, the commissioner, commissioner’s agent, or graduate has probable cause to believe that a violation of this part has occurred with regard to the livestock.
(b) If a person authorized by this section to make a probable cause examination of livestock does not examine the livestock within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the allegation, a licensed veterinarian may make the inspection, and the veterinarian’s findings shall be afforded the same presumption and effect as an examination conducted by a person authorized pursuant to subsection (a).
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