NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new Tennessee bill is aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty by creating tougher penalties for both adults and juveniles.

The legislation, drafted by Rep. John Gillespie (R-Memphis), would increase animal cruelty from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. Class E felonies are the least serious in Tennessee, and they carry a one- to six-year prison sentence along with a fine of up to $3,000. Class D felonies carry a two- to 12-year prison sentence with a fine of up to $5,000.

Wilson County's director of animal control, Steve Gatlin, told News 2 it would send the message that TN takes animal cruelty seriously.

“We want to help people, but some of these folks who do things like this — they need serious help. Most of them will not seek help," Gatlin said. "They

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