Enforcement; violation-penalty.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-5-9
in effectSec. 8-5-9. - Enforcement; violation-penalty.
A person in violation of any part of this chapter is guilty of a city ordinance violation. Upon conviction, a court of competent jurisdiction may order the defendant to:
1. Pay fines in accordance with an amount allowed under state law for city ordinance violations. Each day that any violation of this chapter continues may constitute a separate offense.
2. Be precluded from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of companion animals permanently, or for a period that the court deems reasonable.
3. Participate in available animal cruelty prevention programs and educational programs or both.
4. Undergo a behavioral health evaluation and comply with any recommendations resulting from the evaluation.
5. Forfeit to Memphis Animal Services animals that are the basis of conviction.
6. Sterilize the companion animals. Sterilization is mandatory upon a second violation.
7. Payment of all costs and expenses of enforcement of this ordinance, including veterinary treatment and care, and feeding and housing of animals surrendered or forfeited under this ordinance.
a. Failure to pay any portion of fees and costs shall result in a lien upon the property of the owner subject to the city ordinance and state law.
b. Liens shall be enforced by attachment proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction and payment made directly to Memphis Animal Services.
(Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8AN_CH8-5MEANSE_S8-5-9ENVINAFetched: 10/28/2026