FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tommy Williams
Publisher, WalkingHorseChat.com
Cell: 931-492-2825 | Email: tommywhc@aol.com
Tennessee Legislators to Introduce “Agricultural Product Protection Act” to Combat Livestock Theft
Bill Establishes Stronger Penalties for Unauthorized Removal of Livestock, Protects Farmers and Lienholders
Nashville, TN: – 4-20-2025 – A new bill aimed at curbing livestock theft and protecting Tennessee’s agricultural industry will be introduced in the 2025 legislative session, announced Tommy Williams, publisher of WalkingHorseChat.com and advocate for the state’s farming community. The Tennessee Agricultural Product Protection Act (Senate Bill No. __tba__ / House Bill No. __tba__) seeks to address gaps in current law by establishing the unauthorized removal of livestock without payment or documentation as theft of agricultural property.
Key Provisions of the Legislation:
- Presumption of Theft: Unauthorized removal of livestock from an agricultural facility without proper ownership paperwork or full payment of financial obligations (e.g., purchase agreements, boarding fees) creates a rebuttable presumption of theft under Tennessee law.
- Protection for Lienholders: Livestock removed without satisfying secured debts (e.g., feed or veterinary costs) may be reported as theft, with violators facing separate misdemeanor charges.
- Staggered Penalties: Penalties align with existing theft statutes, ranging from a Class A misdemeanor (livestock valued under $1,000) to felony charges (Class E and higher) for higher-value animals.
- Mandatory Restitution: Courts must order repayment to agricultural facilities for unpaid debts or damages.
“ I have a family member who is a victim of a felonious removal of three colts, where he retained 50% ownership. So I found our laws have no bite. So I wrote this law to be passed in Tennessee and signed by the Governor. Tennessee’s farmers and livestock owners deserve robust protections against bad actors who exploit gaps in the law,” said Williams, a longtime advocate for the agricultural sector. “This bill ensures that if you take livestock without paying or providing proof of ownership, you’ll face serious consequences. It’s about accountability and safeguarding our rural economy.”
The legislation specifically addresses scenarios where disputes over unpaid bills or contested ownership have historically led to legal gray areas. By shifting the burden of proof to defendants to demonstrate lawful ownership or payment, the bill streamlines enforcement and deters theft. Agricultural facilities, including auction houses and feedlots holding liens on livestock, would gain stronger legal recourse under the proposal.
Next Steps:
The bill is expected to be filed in the coming weeks, with committee review to follow. If passed, the law would take effect July 1, 2026, allowing time for public education and rulemaking.
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About Tommy Williams:
Tommy Williams is the publisher of WalkingHorseChat.com, a leading online resource for Tennessee’s walking horse industry and agricultural community. With decades of experience advocating for fair practices in livestock and agriculture, Williams has worked closely with legislators to advance policies supporting farmers, trainers, and rural economies.
Media Contact:
Tommy Williams
Publisher, WalkingHorseChat.com
Cell: 931-492-2825
Email: tommywhc@aol.com
This press release is distributed on behalf of the Tennessee Agricultural Product Protection Act coalition. For interview requests or additional details, contact Tommy Williams directly.
THE PROPOSED LAW
TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
2025 Regular Session
Senate Bill No. ____ / House Bill No. ____
AN ACT
To amend Tennessee Code Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 1, relative to agricultural products and livestock, to establish the unauthorized removal of livestock without payment or documentation as theft of agricultural property, and to prescribe penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
Section 1. Short Title
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Tennessee Agricultural Product Protection Act.”
Section 2. Definitions
For purposes of this act:
(a) “Agricultural facility” means any property where livestock is bred, raised, housed, sold, or held under contract.
(b) “Livestock” includes, but is not limited to, horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry as defined by § 39-14-201(2).
(c) “Proper paperwork” means written documentation proving lawful ownership or transfer of livestock, including bills of sale, lien releases, or signed contracts.
(d) “Unpaid financial obligation” means failure to remit payment for livestock under a purchase agreement, boarding fee, or other debt tied to the care or ownership of the livestock.
Section 3. Presumption of Theft
(a) Unauthorized removal of livestock from an agricultural facility without either:
(i) Presentation of proper paperwork demonstrating lawful ownership or transfer; or
(ii) Full payment of unpaid financial obligations related to the livestock (including purchase price, feed, or veterinary costs),
shall create a rebuttable presumption that the livestock is stolen under § 39-14-103.
(b) Burden of proof: The defendant may rebut this presumption by providing clear evidence of ownership or proof of payment.
Section 4. Penalties
Violations under this act shall be punished according to the value of the livestock under existing theft statutes (§ 39-14-105):
- Class A misdemeanor: Livestock valued at $1,000 or less.
- Class E felony: Livestock valued over 1,000butlessthan1,000butlessthan2,500.
- Higher felony classifications (Class D, C, etc.) apply as value increases.
Restitution to the agricultural facility for unpaid obligations or damages shall be mandatory.
Section 5. Liens and Security Interests
(a) Agricultural facilities holding a lien or security interest in livestock under Title 47, Chapter 9, may report unauthorized removal as theft under this act.
(b) Knowingly removing livestock subject to a lien without satisfying the debt is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable separately from theft charges.
Section 6. Severability
If any provision of this act is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.
Section 7. Effective Date
This act shall take effect July 1, 2026, for the purpose of public awareness and rulemaking.
Key Features of the Draft:
- Links financial obligations to theft charges, incentivizing payment and documentation.
- Presumption of theft shifts the burden to the defendant to prove lawful ownership/payment.
- Protects lienholders (e.g., feedlots, auction houses) by criminalizing removal of encumbered livestock.
- Aligns penalties with existing theft laws to avoid conflicts.
