FL H0921

Veterinarians with a client/patient relationship and veterinary technicians or employees of animal treatment providers must report suspected past or ongoing animal cruelty to law enforcement, certified animal control officers, or appointed agents

Failure to report suspected animal cruelty becomes grounds for professional disciplinary action against veterinarians under Florida Statutes

Veterinarians may furnish medical records to authorities without client authorization when animal cruelty is suspected, though reports to commercial food-producing animal operations require prior client notice

Good faith reporters receive protection from criminal liability, civil liability, professional disciplinary action, and employer retaliation

Knowingly altering or destroying medical records to conceal animal cruelty constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor; effective date July 1, 2026