6714. Treatment records. 1. Upon written request from the owner of an animal which has received treatment from or under the supervision of a veterinarian, such veterinarian shall provide to such owner within a reasonable time period a copy of all records relating to the treatment of such animal. For the purposes of this section, the term "records" shall mean all information concerning or related to the examination or treatment of the animal kept by the veterinarian in the course of his or her practice. A veterinarian may impose a reasonable charge for providing copies of such records. A veterinarian may make available to the owner either the original or a copy of such record or document including x-rays, electrocardiograms and other diagnostic tests and may impose a reasonable fee for the reproduction of such copies.
2. A veterinarian licensed pursuant to this article, may disclose records, as defined in this section, concerning a companion animal as defined in section three hundred fifty of the agriculture and markets law which has received treatment by such veterinarian without the consent of the companion animal's owner under the following circumstances:
(a) When a veterinarian reasonably and in good faith suspects that a companion animal's injury, illness or condition is the result of animal cruelty or a violation of any state or federal law pertaining to the care, treatment, abuse or neglect of a companion animal, the veterinarian may report the incident and disclose records concerning the companion animal's condition and treatment to the police, duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, peace officer, district attorney's office, animal control officer, department of agriculture and markets, other appropriate government agency, or any agent thereof.
(b) When a veterinarian reasonably believes that disclosure of records as defined in this section, is necessary to protect the health or welfare of a companion animal, a person or the public, the veterinarian may disclose such records to the police, duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, peace officer, animal control officer, department of agriculture and markets, other appropriate government agency, or any agent thereof.
3. A veterinarian acts in good faith within the meaning of this section when he or she reasonably believes that his or her actions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of the companion animal or the public.
4. A veterinarian who reasonably and in good faith reports or discloses records in accordance with this section shall be immune from liability in the form of damages in any civil or criminal proceeding on account of such reporting or disclosure.
Last modified: February 3, 2019