121 Signatures Collected
PETITION TARGET: Florida Legislature
Right now, if an abused dog needs medical treatment in Florida, the abuser could easily walk free because veterinarians aren’t required to report the cruelty.
A new bill could change that and better protect animals suffering from abuse and neglect in Florida. HB 921 would require veterinarians and animal treatment provider employees, such as vet techs and clinic staff, to report suspected animal cruelty or neglect to law enforcement, animal control, or other appropriate agencies.
Veterinarians are often on the front lines of physical abuse, chronic neglect, or other mistreatment of animals who are brought in for care. The proposed bill would help ensure the warning signs of mistreatment do not go unreported.
Under HB 921, veterinary professionals who report suspected cruelty in good faith would be protected from lawsuits, disciplinary action, or retaliation. A “good faith report” is one made without malice or personal benefit.
The bill would also make it a first-degree misdemeanor to knowingly alter, hide, or destroy veterinary medical records in order to conceal abuse, helping prevent potential cover-ups. These protections mirror the logic of other mandatory reporting laws for children and vulnerable adults. Animals cannot speak for themselves, and often rely on veterinarians as their only advocates.
Research and experience from law enforcement and advocates show that animal cruelty is often linked to other violence in the home, making early reporting and intervention critical for both animals and people. Florida law already acknowledges this connection by requiring cross-reporting between child protection and animal services agencies under certain circumstances. HB 921 is a vital next step to strengthen that safety net.
Sign our petition urging Florida lawmakers to pass HB 921 and empower veterinarians and clinic staff to report suspected animal cruelty without fear.