TN HR0168

Fur-bearing mammals are classified as Class III wildlife, exempt from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency permitting and excluded from the "livestock" definition under the Tennessee Livestock Dealer Act, creating a regulatory gap.

Requests the Department of Agriculture and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency jointly conduct research on fur-bearing animal regulations prior to the 115th General Assembly's organizational session.

Research topics include: defining fur production as agriculture, estimating the number of fur-farming operations by species, recommending animal welfare regulations, and addressing public health/safety concerns for disease outbreaks or animal escapes.

Copies of the resolution to be delivered to the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.