New legislation would allow Kentucky veterinarians to report animal abuse

Tuesday  is Animal Action Day at the Kentucky State Capitol and today Animal rights advocates are gathering in Frankfort, pushing for tougher laws to protect pets and punish animal abusers.

According  to the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, Kentucky is the only state where reporting is illegal. In all other states the vet either ‘may’ or ‘shall’ report.

Simply put, Kentucky veterinarians can’t report suspected abuse of animals in their care unless they have permission from the owner, or appear in court.

Now there is a bill making its way through the legislature that would lift that restriction.

Senate Bill 21 (SB 21), sponsored by Sen. C.B. Embry Jr., R-Morgantown, would allow vets to use discretion in reporting animal abuse, noting that the preference is to educate an owner on proper animal care rather than reporting it to the police.

A second provision of SB 21 would grant veterinarians immunity for reporting any alleged abuse. This part of the bill is controversial for some senators as they believe vets who falsely report animal abuse shouldn't be protected by a blanket provision. Others feel the immunity clause is necessary to remove the vet's fear of being sued for reporting the suspected abuse.