Q: Can I be arrested for not signing a dog-related citation in TN?
I had an issue where my dogs escaped under a fence three times in two weeks before it was fixed, after my neighbor reported it each time. A PAWS official came to my house and told me I needed to sign a citation or else I would be arrested and jailed. Is it legal for them to threaten arrest for not signing a citation, and isn't that considered intimidation?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- Tennessee
- (865) 637-3035
- View Profile
- Answered
A: Yes...Arrest or Summons is at discretion of LEO.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Yes, in Tennessee, you can indeed be arrested for refusing to sign a citation related to animal control violations. Under Tennessee Code § 7-63-203 and § 7-63-104, if you refuse to sign an ordinance summons agreement to appear in court, the officer has the legal authority to arrest you. The law specifically states that when an offender refuses to sign, the officer may "make arrest for failure to sign the citation in lieu of arrest."
When PAWS officials issue citations for violations like dogs running loose, they're operating under specific legal authority. The ordinance summons typically contains your name, address, details about the charge, and requires your signature as an agreement to appear in court on the specified date. This process is similar to how traffic violations are handled but extends to animal control regulations. Your signature doesn't admit guilt but simply acknowledges that you've received the citation and agree to address it through proper legal channels.
While it might feel intimidating when an official tells you that refusing to sign could lead to arrest, they're informing you of the legitimate legal consequence established by Tennessee law. Dog owners have responsibilities regarding their pets, and Tennessee has specific laws about dogs "going uncontrolled" without consent onto others' property or public areas. Consider consulting with a legal advisor about your specific situation, as they can provide guidance tailored to the details of your case and help you understand the best way to resolve the citations while protecting your rights.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
