ANIMALS GENERALLY

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 8, ch. 8-2

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-2-1 Trapping animals.

Sec. 8-2-1. - Trapping animals. It is unlawful for any person to set or bait any steel leg-trap or other contrivance which would maim, mutilate, or seriously injure any animal, excluding animals commonly referred to as vermin. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-2-2 Striking or hitting an animal with a moving vehicle.

Sec. 8-2-2. - Striking or hitting an animal with a moving vehicle. It is unlawful for any person driving a vehicle to strike or hit any animal upon a public right-of-way or any public property without stopping and assisting the animal, or in the alternative notifying Memphis Animal Services or the Memphis Police Department immediately, excluding animals commonly referred to as vermin as contemplated in Code of Ordinances Title 9 Health and Safety. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-2-3 Disposal of Animals.

Sec. 8-2-3. - Disposal of Animals. No person shall leave or throw into any stream or river, nor leave exposed or bury the body, or any part thereof, of any animal, nor shall the same be kept where it may be dangerous to the life or detrimental to the health of any person. The sanitation services division of the city shall be promptly notified by the owner/discoverer of any deceased animal and where it is located. The animal will be scanned for a microchip, animal services notified if a microchip or other identifying information is found, the deceased animal will then be removed and disposed of in a sanitary manner. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-2-4 Roadside sale of animals prohibited.

Sec. 8-2-4. - Roadside sale of animals prohibited. A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to attempt to sell, exchange, trade, barter, lease, rent, donate or display for a commercial purpose any animal on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park, playground, swimming pool, other recreation area, or commercial or retail parking lot that is generally accessible by the public, regardless of whether such access is authorized. B. This section shall not apply to any city animal shelter or nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of providing humane sanctuary or shelter for abandoned or unwanted animals pursuant to T.C.A. § 39-14-210 or any dealer licensed to sell at a flea market pursuant to T.C.A. § 44-17-101 et seq. C. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the sale of certain animals by those engaged in the business of selling the same for consumption and who have obtained the appropriate licenses or permits to conduct such activity. D. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a properly licensed for-profit store from selling or donating any animals on the walkway or parking lot immediately adjacent to such store's physical address. E. The sale, exchange, trade, barter, lease, rent, donation or display for a commercial purpose in violation of this section shall constitute for each animal a separate violation and be punishable by a fine in accordance with an amount allowed under state law for city ordinance violations. F. Upon issuance of an ordinance summons for a violation of this section, the violator must immediately discontinue the activity. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-2-5 Kennel licenses.

Sec. 8-2-5. - Kennel licenses. A. Persons desiring to operate a commercial kennel where dogs and/or cats are owned, bred and/or held for sale must have an active kennel license issued by Memphis Animal Services to operate. B. Prior to moving any animals into the facility, the person must submit a request to Memphis Animal Services for a kennel inspection via the online inspection request form available on the city's website. C. Within 30 days of receipt of the request the requester will be notified when their inspection will occur. D. At the time of inspection, an animal services officer will inspect the facility for adequate care and conditions and determine the maximum capacity of the facility. E. Once the inspection is complete, the owner must show proof of inspection in-person at Memphis Animal Services to purchase a kennel license in accordance with the current fee schedule as defined in this chapter. F. Persons holding an active kennel license shall not be required to pay the license fee prescribed in section 8-3-2, provided they can produce evidence that all dogs and cats on the property 12 weeks and older have been vaccinated for rabies and such vaccinations are current. G. A kennel license is valid for one year, beginning during the month of purchase and expiring during the same month of the following year, and thereafter purchased annually on the same basis. Renewals require a reinspection to verify capacity/conditions at the facility and must be requested at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the existing license. No license is transferable. (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_CH8-2ANGEFetched: 10/28/2026