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REFERENCE TITLE: veterinarians; animal abuse reporting |
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State of Arizona Senate Forty-ninth Legislature Second Regular Session 2010
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SB 1057 |
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Introduced by Senator Paton
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AN ACT
amending section 32‑2239, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to veterinarians.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Section 32-2239, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
32-2239. Duty of veterinarian to report suspected cruelty, neglect, abuse or animal fighting; immunity
A. A veterinarian shall report in writing concerning any dog fighting or animal abuse to a local law enforcement agency in the county where the veterinarian is practicing within thirty days of any examination or treatment administered to any dog or any animal which the veterinarian reasonably suspects and believes has participated in an organized dog fight or any animal which the veterinarian reasonably suspects and believes has been abused. The report shall contain the breed and description of the dog or any animal together with the name and address of the owner.
A. A veterinarian who reasonably suspects or believes that an animal has been a victim of cruelty or neglect or has been involved in animal fighting shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to local law enforcement. The report shall include the breed and description of the animal together with the name and address of the owner or person who sought the examination or treatment. On request, in furtherance of any criminal investigation for cruelty, neglect or animal fighting, a veterinarian shall provide veterinary records to local law enforcement.
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 thirty days of 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 acts in compliance with this section shall be immune from civil liability and discipline by the board with respect to any report made in good faith.