HB1086 Summary

• Licensed veterinarians providing emergency care to sick or injured animals without compensation are protected from civil liability except for gross negligence or wanton misconduct.

• Veterinarians may provide necessary emergency treatment to animal patients without establishing a formal veterinarian-client-patient relationship if timely establishment is not possible, with the same liability protections.

• Veterinarians must maintain records documenting the basis for providing emergency care under these provisions.

• Licensed veterinarians must promptly report to law enforcement when they have reasonable cause to believe an animal has been injured or killed through dogfighting or has been a victim of animal cruelty.

• Veterinarians are immune from civil liability for making reports about animal fighting or cruelty in good faith.