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 Veterinarian Mandatory 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. A.R.S. § 32-2239 Vet shall also report cases of suspected livestock abuse to AZ Dept. of Ag. A.R.S. § 32-2239

Arkansas A licensed veterinarian or a person acting at the direction of a licensed veterinarian No 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

Colorado Immunity provision for any person reporting cruelty and separate licensed vet immunity law Mandatory 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 veterinarian No 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 technician Voluntary 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. Ga. Code Ann 4-11-17 Specifically includes veterinary technicians in reporting and immunity law.

Hawaii No law or regulation on reporting/immunity

Idaho Licensed veterinarian No 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 State Mandatory 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. 510 ILCS 70/3.07 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 state Voluntary 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. 7 M.R.S.A. § 4018

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. M.G.L.A 112 § 58B

Michigan Veterinarian or veterinary technician No 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 Veterinarian Mandatory 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 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 state No 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 employment Mandatory 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. Neb. Rev. St. 28-1020 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. N.R.S. 574.053

New Hampshire A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state No 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 Veterinarian Voluntary 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. McKinney's Education Law § 6714

North Carolina Any veterinarian licensed in this State Implied 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. N.C.G.S.A. § 14-360.1 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 veterinarian Mandatory 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 Veterinarian Mandatory 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. 21 Okl. St. Ann. § 1680.3 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 veterinarian No 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 state No Duty No 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 veterinarian No 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. W. Va. Code, § 7-10-4a Duty and immunity provision covers animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or cruelly treated