The following section from Day on Torts Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law​​​ is out of date and should not be used. It remains a part of this site for historical purposes only. An updated version of the book is available by subscription at www.birddoglaw.com. (Additional information below.)

§5.2 Harboring Wild Animals

§5.2 Harboring Wild Animals


The Case: Concklin v. Holland , 138 S.W.3d 215 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2003)


The Basic Facts: The Concklin's minor daughter was furnished alcohol and illicit drugs at a house owed by defendants. They brought a wrongful death suit under several theories, including ultra-hazardous activity. The decision is dicta on the liability of one who harbors wild animals, but nevertheless is included for the convenience of the reader. There is no case in Tennessee that is directly on point.


The Bottom Line:

  • "Mr. and Mrs. Conklin next argue that it was error for the trial court to dismiss a strict liability claim against Lewis based on the ultra-hazardous activity present at the Fenwick property. Mr. and Mrs. Concklin cite to the [Restatement (Second) of Torts] as support for their assertion of liability against Lewis. Section 519 provides that '[o]ne who carries on an abnormally dangerous activity is subject to liability for harm to the person, land or chattels of another resulting from the activity, although he has exercised the utmost care to prevent the harm.' [Restatement (Second) of Torts] § 519 (1977) (emphasis added). In reviewing the Concklin's complaint, it is alleged that Lewis knew or should have known of Will's use of illicit drugs at the Fenwick property. In construing that allegation most favorably towards the plaintiff, this Court cannot infer that his knowledge of drug use is paramount to conducting or 'carrying on' the alleged dangerous activity. Further, '[c]ourts in this state have traditionally classified ultra-hazardous activities as those presenting an abnormally dangerous risk of injury to persons or their property, including the carrying out of blasting operations, the storage of explosives or harmful chemicals, and the harboring of wild animals.' Leatherwood v. Wadley, 121 S.W.3d 682, 699 (Tenn. Ct. App.2003), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Sept. 2, 2003). Although this is not an exclusive list, this Court is not prepared to infer that the use of drugs and alcohol is to be included as an ultra hazardous activity. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court's grant of the 12.02(6) motion as to the ultra hazardous claim against Lewis." 138 S.W.3d at 222-23.

After an accident, many injury victims and their families want more information on the accident and their legal rights. Consequently, many of them have found their way to these pages. While we are happy you are here, please understand Day on Torts: Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law was written to be a quick, invaluable reference for Tennessee tort lawyers. While the book provides the leading case for more than 300 tort law subjects and thousands of related case citations, it is not a substitute for personalized legal advice from a qualified lawyer.

Rather than researching these legal issues alone, we urge you to contact one of our award-winning lawyers who can sit down with you, review your case, answer your questions and clearly explain your rights and your options in a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced attorneys handle all personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if we win. If for any reason you are unable to come to our office, we will gladly come to you.

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The foregoing is an excerpt from Day on Torts: Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law, published by John A. Day, Civil Trial Specialist, Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, recipient of Best Lawyers in America recognition, Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney, and Top 100 Tennessee Mid-South Super Lawyers designee. Read John’s full bio here.

The book is now available electronically by subscription at www.birddoglaw.com. The new format allows us to keep the book current as new opinions are released. BirdDog Law also has John's Tennessee Law of Civil Trial and Compendium of Tennessee Tort Reform Statutes available by subscription, as well as multiple free resources to help Tennessee lawyers serve their clients

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