Animals and Fish - Historical Notes

The following is a listing of acts that at one time affected, but no longer appear to have any effect on, hunting, fishing or animal control in Claiborne County.  They are included herein for reference purposes.  Also referenced below are acts which repeal prior law without providing new substantive provisions.

1. Acts of 1829, Chapter 23, authorized Siles Williams of Claiborne County to build a fish trap in Powell River opposite his land, provided he did not obstruct navigation.
2. Private Acts of 1831, Chapter 132, made it illegal for non-residents to graze their cattle in Claiborne County.  This act provided for a $100.00 fine to be assessed against violators.
3. Private Acts of 1868-69, Chapter 26, authorized George P. Brooks to build a fish trap in Powell River, opposite his land provided he did not obstruct navigation.
4. Public Acts of 1889, Chapter 179, made it a misdemeanor for any non-resident of the state to hunt game in Claiborne County.
5. Public Acts of 1895, Chapter 161, provided that it was a misdemeanor to hunt deer in Claiborne County for five years after passage of the act.
6. Private Acts of 1897, Chapter 242, allowed county residents to catch fish by all means except wing net, poison, or dynamite, and prohibited all fishing from April 1 to June 1.
7. Public Acts of 1899, Chapter 170, allowed the residence of Claiborne County to catch fish in any waters, in any way, except by poison, dynamite, wing net or other explosives.
8. Public Acts of 1899, Chapter 333, provided that it was a misdemeanor to hunt deer in Claiborne County for a period of 10 years from passage of the act.
9. Acts of 1903, Chapter 52, prohibited owners of livestock from allowing their stocks to run at large.  The owner was responsible for all damage done by his stock and any injured party was given a lien against the livestock.
10. Private Acts of 1915, Chapter 350, authorized residents of Claiborne County to catch fish by line, net, or trap, provided the mesh thereof, was more than 1½".
11. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 137, made it unlawful for owners to allow their livestock to roam at large, except on unfenced lands in the summer.  This act was amended by Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 390, to give the grand jury inquisitorial power over violations of this act.
12. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 495, made it unlawful for owners of poultry to allow their poultry to roam at large.  This act was subsequently repealed by Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 882.
13. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 503, made it a misdemeanor for a dog owner to allow his dog to roam at large in Claiborne County.  This act was subsequently repealed by Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 558.
14. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 405, exempted Claiborne County from provisions of the general act requiring the licensing of dogs.
15. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 559, provided that from November 15 through December 31, would be the open season for quails in Claiborne County.
16. Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 305, provided that henceforth it would be lawful to trap fish in Claiborne County, and further provided that it would be lawful to gig fish from November 1st to March 1st.
17. Private Acts of 1927, Chapter 37, provided that partridge and quail would be considered non-game birds in Claiborne County, and this protected them under the general act.  This act was subsequently repealed by Private Acts of 1929, Chapter 61.
18. Private Acts of 1935, Chapter 222, regulated the hunting of quail and doves in Claiborne County.  This act was subsequently repealed by Private Acts of 1937, Chapter 56.
19. Private Acts of 1945, Chapter 299, authorized W.M. Harris to practice veterinary surgery in Claiborne County.
20. Private Acts of 1953, Chapter 506, allowed the Claiborne County residents to gig rough fish ( as defined by the general law) from October 1 to January 31.