HB 1086

Present law authorizes the commissioner of agriculture and the state veterinarian to o rder tests or vaccinations of animals within the state or imported into the state for the purpose of protecting the health of animals in Tennessee . This bill changes present law by limiting s uch powers, with regard to tests and vaccinations, to making r ecommend ations for tests or vaccinations of animals within this state or imported into this state for the purpose of protecting the health of animals in this state . Present law authorizes th e commissioner of agriculture and the state veterinarian to o rder the sanitary disposition of any dead animal , with the animal's owner being liable for its disposition . This bill deletes such authorization. Present law authorizes the commissioner of agr iculture to promulgate rules to establish procedures for the payment of indemnities for animals destroyed under the law pertaining to the prevention and treatment of animal diseases. Indemnity under present law is not intended to be a full reimbursement b ut a partial compensation based on, but not limited to, the value of the animal and the availability of funds for that purpose. Indemnification may be disallowed in cases where the owner is in violation of the law concerning prevention and treatment of an imal diseases. This bill makes the establishment of an indemnity program by rules mandatory. This bill requires that indemnity be based on, but not limited to, the value of the animal and the availability of funds. This bill deletes authorization to wi t hhold indemnity from the owner of a destroyed animal.