TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A new Florida bill could require veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
If they report in good faith, they are protected from being sued, disciplined or fired.<\/p>\n
A \u201cgood faith report\u201d is defined as a report of animal cruelty made without malice or consideration of personal benefit, according to the bill. <\/p>\n
Changing or destroying medical records to hide abuse would become a first degree misdemeanor. <\/p>\n
If the bill becomes a law, it will go into effect on July 1 of next year.<\/p>\n
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