Summary:
This map links to laws related to reporting of animal cruelty by veterinarians. As of 2017, the majority of U.S. states have laws that either mandate or allow reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinary professionals (about 21 states) OR have standalone laws that provide immunity for reporting of suspected cruelty (about 14). In most states with 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. Approximately 15 states have no laws that deal with veterinary reporting of cruelty or immunity for reporting suspected cruelty. One state (Kentucky) actually prohibits veterinarians from releasing information concerning a client or care of a client's animal, except on the veterinarian's receipt of a written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client or an appropriate court order or subpoena.