TCA 39-14-213
Removal of transmitting collars or microchip implants from dogs
MISDEMEANOR BClass B Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
This law makes it a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail and/or $500 fine) to remove a tracking collar or microchip from someone else's dog without permission if you intend to prevent the owner from finding the dog. However, if the dog is lost or killed as a direct result of removing the collar or chip, the offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor. The violator must also pay the owner the dog's actual value and any lost breeding income.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass B Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail6 months
Maximum Fine$500
Penalty SummaryClass B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500
Enhancement NotesMultiple classifications: Class B misdemeanor, Class A misdemeanor
(a) A person who removes from a dog an electronic or radio transmitting collar or microchip implant without the permission of the owner of the dog and with the intent to prevent or hinder the owner from locating the dog commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fine only; provided, however, that, if the dog wearing an electronic or radio transmitting collar or microchip implant is lost or killed as the proximate result of the removal of the collar or implant, the person commits a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fine only. (b) Upon conviction for a violation of this section, the court shall order that the violator pay as restitution to the owner the actual value of a dog lost or killed as a result of the removal of an electronic or radio transmitting collar or microchip implant from the dog by the violator. The court may also order the violator to pay as restitution to the owner any breeding revenues forfeited due to the loss or death of a dog.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR B
TCA Section39-14-213
Max Jail6 months
Max Fine$500