The Veterinarian’s Role in Animal Abuse Reporting
- KRS 321.185 allows release of client or animal care information only with a waiver by the client or by a court order or subpoena. Kentucky licensed veterinarians are in violation of their veterinarian-client-patient-relationship if they report suspected animal abuse without a client waiver or court action.
- All veterinarians take an oath to alleviate animal suffering.
- Kentucky is the only state that prohibits veterinarians from reporting suspected animal abuse/cruelty.
- Reporting suspected abuse by a veterinarian would only be a first step. Appropriate law enforcement and courts would make the legal determination that a neglect/animal abuse crime has occurred.
- The link between some animal abusers and domestic violence is well established in the literature; law enforcement is taught to look for signs of animal abuse. The FBI has been tracking animal abusers since 2016; a combined animal abuse and violent crime statistics report is anticipated to be released in 2021.
- Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a problem in Kentucky and elsewhere; there are cases where animals are being abused and then presented to veterinarians as a drug-seeking behavior.
- Any animal abuse reporting legislation being considered should include immunity of veterinarians against civil or criminal charges.
- Most animal abuse is unintentional neglect that can be corrected with education; skilled and knowledgeable veterinarians are able to train and educate animal owners about animal care.
- Reporting abuse should be an option and not mandatory.
