Current through 2024 Regular Session legislation effective June 6, 2024
Section 686.455 - Duty to report aggravated animal abuse(1) A veterinarian who has reasonable cause to believe that an animal with which the veterinarian has come in contact has suffered aggravated animal abuse, or that any person with whom the veterinarian has come in contact has committed aggravated animal abuse, shall immediately report the suspected aggravated animal abuse in the manner prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.(2) A report of suspected aggravated animal abuse required under subsection (1) of this section shall be made to a law enforcement agency, either orally or in writing, and shall include, if known: (a) The name and description of each animal involved;(b) The address and telephone number of the owner or other person responsible for the care of the animal;(c) The nature and extent of the suspected aggravated animal abuse;(d) Any evidence of previous aggravated animal abuse;(e) Any explanation given for the suspected aggravated animal abuse; and(f) Any other information that the person making the report believes may be helpful in establishing the cause of the suspected aggravated animal abuse or the identity of the person causing the aggravated animal abuse.