NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Nashville Metro Council voted Thursday to approve support for heightening punishments for animal cruelty in Tennessee.

The council approved the resolution that would formally ask the Tennessee General Assembly to support a bill increasing criminal penalties for criminals convicted of animal cruelty.

The document cites Tennessee Bureau of Investigation data saying that animal cruelty cases increased by nearly 40% from 2020 to 2022.

“Law enforcement, social service agencies, and victim-advocacy organizations recognize animal abuse as an early warning sign of escalating violence toward partners and children,” the resolution said in part.

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