What's happening
This bill requires veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty and disclose related records to authorities.
Why it matters
Shifts veterinarians’ role from optional to mandatory reporters. By changing “may” to “shall,” the bill makes it a legal requirement (not just a choice) for veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty, increasing their responsibility in animal protection.
Potential to identify and intervene in abuse earlier. Mandatory reporting could lead to faster detection of animal cruelty cases, allowing for quicker intervention and possibly preventing further harm to animals.
Overrides veterinary client confidentiality in these cases. The bill explicitly requires veterinarians to disclose relevant animal medical records to authorities, meaning privacy protections for pet owners are limited when cruelty is suspected.
Could have legal and professional implications for veterinarians. Failure to report could subject veterinarians to disciplinary actions or liability, changing the risk landscape for veterinary professionals in New York.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Vets Must Report Animal Abuse
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Vets Report Animal Abuse
In Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7815
IN SENATE
February 25, 2020
Introduced by Sen. GIANARIS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to mandating the reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subdivision 2 of section 6714 of the education law, as added by chapter 653 of the laws of 2003, are amended to read as follows:
(a) When a veterinarian reasonably and in good faith suspects that a companion animal's injury, illness or condition is the result of animal cruelty or a violation of any state or federal law pertaining to the care, treatment, abuse or neglect of a companion animal, the veterinarian [may] shall report the incident and disclose records concerning the companion animal's condition and treatment to the police, duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, peace officer, district attorney's office, animal control officer, department of agriculture and markets, other appropriate government agency, or any agent thereof.
(b) When a veterinarian reasonably believes that disclosure of records as defined in this section, is necessary to protect the health or welfare of a companion animal, a person or the public, the veterinarian [may] shall disclose such records to the police, duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, peace officer, animal control officer, department of agriculture and markets, other appropriate government agency, or any agent thereof.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03390-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to mandating the report- ing of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians
Purpose
This bill adopts the gold standard in prevention of animal abuse by mandating that veterinarians report suspected abuse to authorities.
Summary of provisions
Section one amends Paragraphs a and b of subdivision 2 of section 6714 of the education law, as added by chapter 653 of the laws of 2003.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
Justification
Frequently cases of animal abuse go unaddressed because they are not brought to the attention of authorities. In some instances, a veterina- rian treating an abused or neglected animal might be the only person who witnesses the results of the abuse or neglect. If a veterinarian reasonably and in good faith suspects that a companion animal's injury, illness or condition is the result of animal cruelty, the veterinarian should be required to report the incident and disclose records concern- ing the companion animal's condition and treatment to the police or other appropriate government agency or any agent thereof.
This legislation changes the current law which "allows" veterinarians to report and disclose records of suspected abuse, to "requiring" veterina- rians to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect. Veterinarians are medical professionals with a duty to care and protect animals. When, in their professional judgment, they suspect cases of abuse or neglect, they should be required to report it.
Legislative history
2017-18: A.4904 - Referred to Higher Education; S.621 - Referred to Higher Education
2015-16: A.9346 - Referred to Higher Education; 5.6659 - Referred to Higher Education
Fiscal implications
None to the State.
Local fiscal implications
EFFECTIVE DATE: This bill shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.