32-2239. Duty of veterinarian to report suspected abuse, cruelty, neglect or animal fighting; immunity
A. A veterinarian who reasonably suspects or believes that an animal has been a victim of abuse, cruelty or neglect or has been involved in animal fighting shall report that suspicion, or cause a report to be made, to law enforcement within forty-eight 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. Veterinary records shall be provided to local law enforcement on request in furtherance of any criminal investigation for abuse, cruelty, neglect or animal fighting.
B. A veterinarian shall report, in writing, suspected cases of abuse of livestock to the associate director of the division of animal services in the Arizona department of agriculture pursuant to title 3, chapter 11, article 1. The report shall be made within forty-eight hours after treatment or examination and shall include the breed and description of the animal together with the name and address of the owner.
C. 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.
Section: Previous 32-2232 32-2233 32-2234 32-2235 32-2236 32-2237 32-2238 32-2239 32-2240 32-2240.01 32-2241 32-2242 32-2243 32-2244 32-2245 NextLast modified: October 13, 2016