TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A new Florida bill could require veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty.
The bill would require vets, vet techs and clinic staff to report suspected animal abuse or neglect to police, animal control or other official investigators.
The bill defines animal cruelty as any act or omission that constitutes a violation of several Florida statues including, cruelty to animals, fighting or baiting animals, sexual abuse of an animal or abandonment or neglect.
If they report in good faith, they are protected from being sued, disciplined or fired.
A “good faith report” is defined as a report of animal cruelty made without malice or consideration of personal benefit, according to the bill.
Changing or destroying medical records to hide abuse would become a first degree misdemeanor.
If the bill becomes a law, it will go into effect on July 1 of next year.
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