PETITION CLOSED
PETITION TARGET: Tennessee State Senator Jon Lundberg
UPDATE (3/28/2023): We sent our petition, signed by more than 37,000 people to Sen. Jon Lundberg. We were excited to see the senator propose Senate Bill 2243, which would have criminalized tethering dogs outside in severe weather. Unfortunately, the bill failed in the state House. We’re disappointed that Tennessee dogs still remain at considerable, preventable risk, and urge Tennessee lawmakers to follow through on their promises and usher in stronger protections for animals. Thank you to everyone who signed our petition; we’ll keep advocating for vulnerable dogs everywhere! —Lady Freethinker Staff
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Deputies and animal rescuers recovered more than 200 living dogs and the corpses of hundreds of other animals from a filthy, garbage strewn residence in Grundy County, Tennessee, that has since been dubbed “the boneyard.”
In addition to hoarding the animals, the woman also was selling the puppies online, including three Blue Heeler pups for $300 each, an animal rescue volunteer told Fox 17-WZTV Nashville.
Animal rescuers had retrieved hoarded animals from unsanitary conditions at the woman’s home years before. But law enforcement hadn’t gotten involved because Tennessee has no state laws regulating or banning puppy mills.
The state’s Commercial Breeders Act expired in 2014, and legislative efforts to regulate and restrict harmful breeding practices have since died in committee.
The Grundy County woman has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty– the least serious felony charge that carries a maximum of one to six years in prison or a fine of up to $3,000. But under existing state laws, she didn’t violate any commercial pet breeder laws– since there aren’t any in the books.
Faced with the horrific deaths and needless suffering of the hundreds of innocent dogs harmed at the Grundy County home, and the lack of legislation to stop repeat events, Sen. Jon Lundberg (R) said it’s time to revisit strengthening puppy protections through legislation.
POLL: Tennessee doesn’t have state laws to address commercial pet breeding. Do you think state legislators should consider adding laws to strengthen animal rights?
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) January 18, 2021
An unofficial poll taken by Fox Nashville showed that 78% of more than 200 respondents were in favor of adding laws to strengthen animal rights. Justice for these voiceless victims can’t wait.
Sign this petition urging Sen. Jon Lundberg to follow through with his statements to sponsor — and champion– a bill holding accountable any Tennesseans who harmfully and horrifically exploit puppies in inhumane puppy mills.
