Full Title Name:  Table of Veterinary Reporting Requirement and Immunity Laws

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Rebecca F. Wisch Publish Year:  2023 Place of Publication:  Michigan State University College of Law Primary Citation:  Animal Legal & Historical Center

This table lists the state laws and administrative regulations related to the reporting of animal cruelty by veterinarians. Some states have laws that require reporting by veterinary professionals, while other states make it a duty in their veterinary rules of professional responsibility. In other words, a veterinarian may face disciplinary action with the veterinary licensing board in a state or even license revocation if they fail to report suspected abuse. About 21 states place a mandatory duty upon state-licensed veterinarians (and sometimes vet techs) to report suspected animal cruelty to the proper authorities including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Usually, this consists of reporting the abuse to local law enforcement agencies. A couple states limit mandatory reporting to aggravated cruelty or suspected instances of dogfighting. Pennsylvania is unique in that is requires certain reporting of cruelty by other veterinarians.

Other states do not require veterinarians to report animal abuse, but rather allow veterinary professionals to take such action. This is called voluntary or permissive reporting and is seen in states such as Georgia, Maryland, and Maine. Essentially, these laws or regulations give veterinarians the authority to break patient-client confidentiality and report abuse.

About 13 states have no laws that allow or require reporting.

In most states with either a mandatory or voluntary reporting law, a companion immunity provision is also provided. Such an immunity statute protects a veterinarian from any civil liability (and sometimes criminal) arising from the reporting of the abuse. The concern exists because a veterinarian who reports injuries consistent with intentional animal abuse or neglect to local authorities could be sued by the owner of the animal for libel or defamation. Immunity laws provide legal protection for parties who report suspected animal abuse. In states where there is only an immunity provision and no mandatory or permissive reporting, that part of the table states "no duty."

In addition to reporting requirements in state laws, administrative regulations may concern reporting of animal cruelty. For example, under Kansas' rules of professional conduct for veterinarians, the failure by a veterinarian to report to proper authorities the cruel or inhumane treatment of animals is grounds for disciplinary action. Oklahoma has a similar provision in its Rules of Professional Conduct for veterinarians (See Okla. Admin. Code 775:10-5-30(8)). North Dakota includes the following in its list of actions constituting professional misconduct: "Failing to report to law enforcement or humane officers inhumane treatment to animals, including staged animal fights or training events for fights, the veterinarian reasonably believed occurred." ND ADC 87-05-02-01(8). Other states such as Alabama, Maryland, and Virginia also have reporting requirements in their rules of professional responsibility for licensed veterinarians.

Despite the recent surge in reporting laws, some veterinarians and professional organizations hesitate to embrace such laws. Veterinarians have concerns over breaking client confidentiality with the owners of their patients as well as concerns about accurately detecting signs of animal abuse. However, many animal welfare advocates suggest that a veterinarian's role is critical in both detecting and preventing further abuse. There is limited information as to whether state reporting statutes have increased the prosecution of those who abuse animals.

New in 2018 for Veterinary Professionals and Attorneys:

The Reporting Animal Cruelty: The Role of the Veterinarian manual for Massachusetts is possible due to the collaborative efforts of Animal Folks, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, with funding by these organizations and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The purpose of this manual is to provide explanations of law and supporting materials so, as a veterinarian, you can develop protocols for your clinic or practice which can guide your actions should you or others face a suspected or known case of animal neglect, cruelty, or abuse.

In addition to establishing protocols, information within the manual can also be used by veterinarians when assisting law enforcement in the investigation of animal cruelty cases. This manual is slanted more to smaller companion animals, though many of the principles and procedures described are applicable to horses, farmed animals, exotic animals, and wildlife.

State    

Who Has Duty

Type of Duty to Report

Immunity Provision

Reporting under Professional/Ethical Rules

Unique Aspects of Law

Alabama

 

Veterinarian

Mandatory Duty (under administrative reg.)

A veterinarian is obligated to report to the proper authorities any grossly inhumane treatment to animals of which he or she has direct knowledge.

(Grounds for disciplinary action for failure to report)

Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.10(16)

 

A veterinarian is obligated to report to the proper authorities any grossly inhumane treatment to animals of which he or she has direct knowledge.

(Grounds for disciplinary action for failure to report)

Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.10(16)

 

Alaska

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Arizona

 

 VeterinarianMandatory Duty

A veterinarian who reasonably suspects or believes abuse, cruelty or neglect or animal fighting shall report to law enforcement within 48-hours after treatment or examination. The report shall include the breed and description of the animal and the name and address of the owner or person who sought the examination or treatment.

A.R.S. § 32-2239

Veterinarian who files a report as provided in this section shall be immune from civil liability with respect to any report made in good faith.

 

 

Vet shall also report cases of suspected livestock abuse to AZ Dept. of Ag.

Arkansas

 

A licensed veterinarian or a person acting at the direction of a licensed veterinarianNo Duty

A licensed veterinarian or a person acting at the direction of a licensed veterinarian in Arkansas is:

 (1) Held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decision made or service rendered in conjunction with Subchapter 1: Cruelty to Animals; and

 (2) Immune from suit for his or her part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

(b) A veterinarian or person acting at the direction of a licensed veterinarian who participates or reports in bad faith or with malice is not protected under this subchapter.

A.C.A. § 5-62-109

  

 California

 

 

Licensee under the chapterMandatory Duty

Reasonable cause to believe that a dog has been injured or killed through participation in a staged animal fight must promptly report to law enforcement.

West's Ann.Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code §  4830.5

Reasonable cause to believe an animal has been a victim of animal abuse must promptly report to law enforcement

West's Ann.Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code §  4830.7

No licensee shall incur any civil liability as a result of making any report.

West's Ann.Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code §  4830.5 and West's Ann.Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code §  4830.7

  

Colorado

 

 

 

Immunity provision for any person reporting cruelty and separate licensed vet immunity lawMandatory Duty for Vets

Reasonable cause to know or suspect that the animal has been subjected to cruelty or animal fighting shall report to local law enforcement or bureau of animal protection.

No time frame listed.

C.R.S.A.§ 12-64-121

A licensed veterinarian who in good faith reports a suspected incident shall be immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the incident.

C.R.S.A.§ 12-64-121

Under anti-cruelty chapter, a person who, in good faith, reports a suspected incident of cruelty to animals to local law enforcement or the state bureau of animal protection is immune from civil liability for reporting the incident.

C.R.S.A. § 18-9-209

 Good faith is presumed on the part of veterinarian.

Connecticut

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Delaware

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

 Florida

 

Licensed veterinarianNo Duty

Vet shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made or services rendered under the provisions of this section.

Also immune from a lawsuit for their part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

West's F.S.A. 828.12

  

 Georgia

 

Licensed accredited veterinarian or veterinary technicianVoluntary Reporting

Reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been subjected to animal cruelty or dog fighting may make or cause to be made a report of such violation.

Ga. Code Ann 4-11-17

Any person participating in the making of a report shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability provided such participation is made in good faith.

 Specifically includes veterinary technicians in reporting and immunity law.

Hawaii

Duly licensed veterinarian

Mandatory Duty

Reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been injured or killed through participation in a staged animal fight, it shall be the duty of the veterinarian to promptly report the event to the appropriate law enforcement.

Reasonable cause to believe an animal under the veterinarian's care has been a victim of animal cruelty, it shall be the duty of the veterinarian to promptly report the event to the appropriate law enforcement.

H R S § 471-18

No veterinarian duly licensed under this chapter shall incur any civil liability as a result of making any report pursuant to this section.  

Idaho

 

Licensed veterinarianNo Duty

A vet shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made or services rendered under the provisions of this chapter. Such a veterinarian is protected from a lawsuit for his part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

I.C. 25-3504

 A veterinarian who participates or reports in bad faith or with malice shall not be protected under the provisions of this section.

 Illinois

 

Any veterinarian in this StateMandatory Duty

Observes or is presented with an animal or animals for the treatment of aggravated cruelty must file a report with the Department

510 ILCS 70/3.07

Any veterinarian who in good faith makes a report, has immunity from any liability, civil, criminal, or otherwise, that may result from his or her actions.

 The report must furnish the owner's name, the date of receipt of the animal or animals and any treatment administered, and a description of the animal or animals involved, including a microchip number.

Good faith of the veterinarian is presumed.

Indiana

 

A veterinarian or registered veterinary technician No Duty

Who reports in good faith and in the normal course of business a case of suspected animal cruelty to a law enforcement official is immune from civil or criminal liability from reporting the incident.

IC 25-38.1-4-8.5

 Law includes registered vet technician.

Iowa

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Kansas

 

 

 

Licensed veterinarian

Mandatory Duty (under administrative reg.)

It is considered "unprofessional conduct" and shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action for a licensed veterinarian to fail to report "to the proper authorities cruel or inhumane treatment to animals, if the veterinarian has direct knowledge of the cruel or inhumane treatment."

KS ADC 70-8-1(p)

The owner or custodian of an animal placed for adoption or killed shall not be entitled to recover damages for the placement or killing of such animal unless the owner proves that such placement or killing was unwarranted.

K.S.A.  21-6412

 

Mandatory professional duty to report by veterinarians (grounds for disciplinary action for failure to report)

It is considered "unprofessional conduct" and shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action for a licensed veterinarian to fail to report "to the proper authorities cruel or inhumane treatment to animals, if the veterinarian has direct knowledge of the cruel or inhumane treatment."

KS ADC 70-8-1(p)

Privilege for confidentiality of client’s records waived if reporting cruel or inhumane treatment of animal to federal, state, or local governmental agencies.

K.S.A. 47-839

Kentucky

 Veterinarian

Voluntary Reporting

If a veterinarian finds that an animal with which he or she has a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been abused in violation of KRS 525.125, 525.130, 525.135, or 525.137, the veterinarian may make a report to:

(1) The Office of the State Veterinarian for any animal for which an on-farm livestock or poultry care standard has been promulgated under KRS 257.196; or

(2) Law enforcement for any other animal.

KRS § 321.188

  The law passed in July 2020. Previously, the state prohibited reporting unless a client agreed in writing or there was a court order.

Louisiana

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Maine

 

A veterinarian licensed in stateVoluntary Reporting (cruelty or neglect)

Veterinarian who has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is the subject of cruelty or neglect in violation may report the suspected violation.

7 M.R.S.A. § 4018

Mandatory Duty (aggravated cruelty)

A licensed veterinarian, while acting in a professional capacity, who has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is the subject of aggravated cruelty shall report the suspected violation.

7 M.R.S.A. § 4018

A veterinarian reporting or testifying under this section is immune from criminal or civil liability or professional disciplinary action that might otherwise result from these actions.

  

Maryland

 

 

 

 

Veterinary practitioner
Mandatory Duty

A veterinary practitioner who has reason to believe that an animal that has been treated by the veterinary practitioner has been subjected to cruelty or fighting shall report the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting to the appropriate law enforcement agency or county animal control agency in a timely manner.

MD AGRIC § 2-313.1

A veterinary practitioner who reports in good faith suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting or participates in an investigation of suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting is immune from:

(1) Civil liability that results from the report or participation in the investigation; or

(2) Criminal prosecution for the report or participation in the investigation.

MD AGRIC § 2-313.1

A veterinarian should do the following, if a case of suspected animal cruelty is presented:

(1) Note the condition of the animal upon presentation in the animal's treatment record;

(2) Note the basis for suspecting cruelty in the animal's treatment record; and

(3) Promptly report the suspected instance of cruelty, including animal fighting, to the appropriate local law enforcement or county animal control agency.

COMAR 15.14.15.03

A veterinary practitioner who makes a report under subsection (a) of this section shall include in the report:

(1) The name, age, and location of the animal;

(2) The name and home address of the owner or custodian of the animal;

(3) The nature and extent of the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting, including any evidence or information available to the veterinary practitioner concerning possible previous instances of animal cruelty or animal fighting; and

(4) Any other information that would help determine:

(i) The cause of the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting; and

(ii) The identity of any individual responsible for the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting.

MD AGRIC § 2-313.1

Massachusetts

 

Veterinarian duly registered

Mandatory Duty

A veterinarian who, while in the normal course of business, observes an animal whom such veterinarian knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of animal cruelty shall report said suspected animal cruelty to a police officer or special state police officer.

Any veterinarian who fails to report such an act of animal cruelty shall be reported to the board of registration in veterinary medicine.

M.G.L.A 112 § 58B

Veterinarian in good faith and in the normal course of business reports a suspected act of cruelty to animals not liable in a civil or criminal action for reporting such act.

  

Michigan

 

Veterinarian or veterinary technicianNo Duty

In good faith reports that an animal that the veterinarian or veterinary technician knows or reasonably believes to be abandoned, neglected, or abused is immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report.

MC.L.A. 333.18827

 Immunity provision covers abandonment, neglect, and abuse

Minnesota

 

 

 

 

VeterinarianMandatory Duty

A veterinarian must report known or suspected cases of abuse, cruelty, or neglect to peace officers and humane agents.

M.S.A. 346.37

A licensed veterinarian acting in good faith and in the normal course of business is immune from civil and criminal liability in any action arising in connection with the report of a suspected incident of animal cruelty.

M.S.A. § 343.215

Failing to report to law enforcement or humane officers inhumane treatment to animals, including staged animal fights or training for fights, of which the veterinarian has direct knowledge can result in disciplinary actions.

MN ADC 9100.0700

 

Mississippi

 

Any veterinarian licensed in this stateNo Duty

Reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected incident of animal cruelty to the proper authorities shall be immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the incident.

Miss Code Ann. § 73-39-87 

  

Missouri

Licensed veterinarian

Mandatory Duty (under administrative reg.)

Missouri Veterinary Medical Board adopts the following rules to be referred to as the rules of professional conduct. These rules of professional conduct are binding on every person licensed by the board to practice as a veterinarian or registered by the board to practice as a veterinary technician.

20 Mo. Code of State Regulations 2270-6.011

As an exception to confidentiality to patient records:

The board recognizes that veterinarians may observe cases of animal abuse or neglect as defined by federal or state laws, or local ordinances. When these situations cannot be resolved through education, the board considers it the responsibility of the veterinarian to report such cases to the appropriate authorities. Disclosures may be necessary to protect the health and welfare of animals and people.

20 Mo. Code of State Regulations 2270-6.011, paragraph (11)

Missouri Veterinary Medical Board adopts the following rules to be referred to as the rules of professional conduct. These rules of professional conduct are binding on every person licensed by the board to practice as a veterinarian or registered by the board to practice as a veterinary technician.

20 Mo. Code of State Regulations 2270-6.011

 

Montana

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Nebraska

 

Any animal health care professional while acting in official capacity in scope of employmentMandatory Duty

Observes or is involved in an incident that leads him or her to suspect that an animal has been abandoned, cruelly neglected, or cruelly mistreated shall report such incident to an entity that investigates in the jurisdiction.

Neb. Rev. St. 28-1020 

Any person making a report is immune from liability except for false statements of fact made with malicious intent.

 The law imposes a duty to report, but not a duty to investigate:

"Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to investigate observed or reasonably suspected."

Nevada

 A person

Voluntary Duty

A person may report an act of cruelty against an animal to any peace officer, officer of a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or animal control officer.

N.R.S. 574.053
  


Any person, law enforcement agency, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or animal control agency that willfully releases data or information concerning the identity of a person who made a report, except for the purposes of a criminal investigation or prosecution, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

New Hampshire

 

A veterinarian licensed to practice in the stateNo Duty

A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made for services rendered under the provisions of this section or RSA 435:11-16. Such a veterinarian is, therefore, under this paragraph, protected from a lawsuit for his part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

N.H. Rev. Stat. 644:8 paragraph V

  

New Jersey

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

New Mexico

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

New York

 

 VeterinarianVoluntary Reporting

When a veterinarian reasonably and in good faith suspects that a companion animal's injury, illness or condition is the result of animal cruelty, the veterinarian may report the incident and disclose records concerning the companion animal's condition.

McKinney's Education Law § 6714

A veterinarian who reasonably and in good faith reports or discloses records shall be immune from liability in the form of damages in any civil or criminal proceeding on account of such reporting or disclosure.

  

North Carolina

 

Any veterinarian licensed in this StateImplied Voluntary Reporting

A failure by a veterinarian to make a report of animal cruelty shall not constitute grounds for disciplinary action under G.S. 90-187.8.

N.C.G.S.A. § 14-360.1

Reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been the subject of animal cruelty and who makes a report of animal cruelty, or who participates in any investigation or testifies shall be immune from civil liability, criminal liability, and liability from professional disciplinary action.

  

Shall not be in breach of any veterinarian-patient confidentiality, unless the veterinarian acted in bad faith or with a malicious purpose.

Rebuttable presumption that the veterinarian acted in good faith.

North Dakota

 

 

 

 

Licensed veterinarianMandatory Duty (under administrative reg.)

Unprofessional conduct manifestly disqualifying a licensee from practicing veterinary medicine includes:

Failing to report to law enforcement or humane officers inhumane treatment to animals, including staged animal fights or training events for fights, the veterinarian reasonably believed occurred.

NDCC 36-21.1-14 paragraph 8

Mandatory Duty (by law):

If upon examining an animal a licensed veterinarian determines that there is reasonable cause to believe an animal has been neglected, abused, treated cruelly, or subjected to any act or omission in violation of this chapter, the veterinarian may retain custody of the animal and shall immediately notify law enforcement officials regarding the determination.

NDCC 36-21.1-10

Any sheriff, police officer, licensed veterinarian, investigator, or person who has custody of an animal under this chapter and who is acting in an official or professional capacity and making a good-faith effort to comply with this chapter is immune from any civil or criminal liability for acts taken or omitted while attempting to comply with this chapter.

NDCC 36-21.1-14



Unprofessional conduct manifestly disqualifying a licensee from practicing veterinary medicine includes:

Failing to report to law enforcement or humane officers inhumane treatment to animals, including staged animal fights or training events for fights, the veterinarian reasonably believed occurred.

NDCC 36-21.1-14 paragraph 8

 

Ohio

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Oklahoma

 

 

 

 VeterinarianMandatory Duty

A veterinarian shall report suspected cases of animal abuse to a local law enforcement agency in the county where the veterinarian is practicing within 24 hours of examination or treatment which the veterinarian reasonably suspects and believes has been abused.

21 Okl. St. Ann. § 1680.3

A veterinarian who files a report as provided in this section shall be immune from civil liability with respect to any report made in good faith.

Failing to report to the proper authorities cruel or inhumane treatment to animals by any person, when the veterinarian has direct knowledge of the cruel or inhumane treatment, shall be considered unprofessional conduct and shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

Okla. Admin. Code 775:10-5-30

Report must be made within 24 hours of examination.

The report shall contain the breed and description of the animal together with the name and address of the owner.

Oregon

 

A veterinarian or veterinary technician for voluntary reporting and immunity

Veterinarian for mandatory duty

Mandatory Duty (for veterinarians to report aggravated cruelty).

O.R.S. § 686.442

Voluntary duty for veterinarians and technicians to report abandonment, neglect, or abuse. Licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians may report.

O.R.S. § 686.445

Licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians may report to peace officers, animal control officers or officers of private organizations devoted to humane treatment of animals any animal that the veterinarian or veterinary technician knows or reasonably believes to be abandoned, neglected or abused. Any veterinarian or veterinary technician making a report under this section is immune from any civil or criminal liability by reason of making the report.

O.R.S. § 686.445

 Veterinarians licensed and practicing in Oregon shall report to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, in a form established by the dean, incidences of treating animals purported to have been injured by a trapping device.

Pennsylvania

 

A veterinarian

LIMITED Mandatory Duty (under administrative reg.)

Veterinarians must report repeated acts of negligence or animal abuse by a professional colleague.

49 Pa. Code § 31.21

 

Veterinarians must report repeated acts of negligence or animal abuse by a professional colleague.

49 Pa. Code § 31.21

Regulation only covers acts by other vets.

Rhode Island

 

Any Rhode Island licensed veterinarian, veterinarian technician, animal shelter, animal kennel, or other person entrusted with the care or custody of an animal

Mandatory Duty

Any Rhode Island licensed veterinarian, veterinarian technician, animal shelter, animal kennel, or other person entrusted with the care or custody of an animal shall report the condition of any animal that the parties reasonably believes to be abandoned, neglected, or abused.

Gen. Laws 1956 4-1-26.1

 

 

Reporting parties shall be immune from suit pursuant to the provisions of § 4-1-37. Any party who fails to report pursuant to this section shall be fined not exceeding $500.

Gen. Laws 1956 4-1-26.1

Any person entrusted with the care and custody of an animal, including, but not limited to, any Rhode Island licensed veterinarian, veterinarian technician, animal shelter, or animal kennel, shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability arising out of any reports, either oral or written, made to local or state police, animal control officials, or officers of private organizations devoted to humane treatment of animals, concerning any animal that the veterinarian knows, or reasonably believed, to be abandoned, neglected, or abused, and shall be immune from suit by reason of making the report.

Gen. Laws 1956 4-1-37

 

Veterinarian who participates or reports in bad faith or with malice shall not be protected under the provisions of this section.

Gen. Laws 1956 4-1-37

South Carolina

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

South Dakota

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Tennessee

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   

Texas

 

A veterinarian No Duty

A veterinarian who in good faith and in the normal course of business reports to the appropriate governmental entity a suspected incident of animal cruelty is immune from liability in a civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the incident.

V.T.C.A., Occupations Code § 801.3585

  

Utah

 

A licensed veterinarianNo Duty

In good faith and in the normal course of business, reports a suspected case of animal cruelty to law enforcement or the proper authorities is immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the suspected cruelty.

U.C.A., 1953 § 58-28-602

  

Virginia

 

 

 

 

Veterinarian

Mandatory Duty

Failing to report suspected animal cruelty to the appropriate authorities is considered unprofessional conduct.

(May result in a refusal to grant or renew a license; or may result in a suspension or revocation of a license).

18 VAC 150-20-140 

Immunity from civil or criminal liability or administrative penalty/sanction for providing records or information or testifying in cases of suspected cruelty unless done in bad faith or with malicious purpose.

VA Code Ann. § 54.1-3812.1


Failing to report suspected animal cruelty to the appropriate authorities is considered unprofessional conduct.

(May result in a refusal to grant or renew a license; or may result in a suspension or revocation of a license).

18 VAC 150-20-140

Statute includes administrative penalty as well as civil and criminal liability in immunity provision.

Vermont

 

Veterinarian licensed to practice in this stateNo DutyNo monetary liability/no cause of action for damages shall arise against, a veterinarian who, in good faith and in the normal course of practice, reports suspected cases of cruelty to animals, to any humane officer or local board of health officer or agent.

Also immunity for accompanying a humane officer.

26 V.S.A. § 2404

  

Washington

 

A licensed Washington veterinarianNo Duty

A veterinarian lawfully licensed in this state to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry who reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected incident of animal cruelty that is punishable under this chapter to the proper authorities is immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against such veterinarian for reporting the suspected incident.

West's RCWA 16.52.0001

  

Wisconsin

 

Veterinarian Mandatory Duty to Report Animal Fighting

Any veterinarian who has reason to believe that an animal has been in a fight shall report the matter to the local humane officer or to a local law enforcement agency. The report shall be in writing and shall include a description and the location of the animal, any injuries suffered by the animal and the name and address of the owner or person in charge of the animal, if known.

WSA 173.12

   

West Virginia

 

Licensed veterinarian

(also the right of any other person to voluntarily report)

Mandatory Duty

Duty of any licensed veterinarian and the right of any other person to report to a humane officer any animal found, reasonably known or believed to be abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated.

W. Va. Code, § 7-10-4a

Such veterinarian or other person may not be subject to any civil or criminal liability as a result of such reporting.

 Duty and immunity provision covers animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or cruelly treated

Wyoming

 No law or regulation on reporting/immunity   
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