Who is Mandated to Report Animal Abuse | National Link Coalition

Are you a mandated reporter of Animal Cruelty, Abuse and Neglect?

As the Link movement to inspire cross-reporting among animal, child, elder, and domestic abuse agencies gains momentum, state and territorial laws and regulations throughout the U.S. require or permit certain professionals to report animal cruelty, often with immunity from civil or criminal liability from confidentiality restrictions, and to mandate appropriate training.

The processes for reporting animal cruelty, abuse and neglect are neither as formalized nor as systematized as those for mandatory reporting of child, elder and domestic abuse, despite the fact that animal abuse crimes are misdemeanors or felonies and frequently predictors or compounding factors of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse. Reporting animal abuse is important not only for the animals’ welfare, but also because when animals are abused, people are at risk; and when people are abused, animals are at risk.

Unlike reporting systems protecting human family members, only Delaware has a centralized state hotline that coordinates and responds to reports. Animal cruelty reports are investigated by independent, local municipal or county animal control/animal services departments, nonprofit humane societies or SPCAs, or law enforcement. Contrary to popular belief, local Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are not branches of the ASPCA, nor are local humane societies divisions of the Humane Society of the U.S. Our National Directory of Abuse Investigating Agencies lists 6,500 cities and counties where reports may be made (as well as hotlines to report other forms of family violence).

Recognizing, responding and cross-reporting cases of violence against animals or humans via the Link bridges interagency disconnects. If the prevention of animal, domestic, child and elder abuse is to gain momentum and realize potential, it is necessary for all stakeholders, each contributing its expertise and perspective, to intensify Linked approaches that transcend disciplines to build engagement and interaction that better protect vulnerable people and animals.

The prevention of abuse and neglect is critical to protecting our communities. Mandated Reporter Training helps reporters to better understand their state and territorial laws and reporting responsibilities, and to identify and address issues of cruelty, abuse and neglect.

These lists will be updated as much as possible. If you are aware of new information that should be added or corrected. please contact the National Link Coalition.

Who must report animal cruelty?

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ALABAMA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

Who is Permitted to Report?
There is no statutory language specifically permitting all residents to report suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. However, as a matter of practice, any individual can make such a report. There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. To identify where and how to report, consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

What are the reporting protocols?
The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Administrative Code (2018) 930-x-1-.10(16) Rules of Professional Conduct/Grounds for Discipline.
A licensed veterinarian is obligated to report to the proper authorities any grossly inhumane treatment to animals of which he or she has direct knowledge.

Is Training Required?
Alabama veterinarians must report 20 hours of continuing education each year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

NOTE: Alabama animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Alabama Animal Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

ALASKA REQUIREMENTS
Who is Required to Report?
Alaska has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
Alaska Administrative Code 12 AAC 68.100. Confidential Relationship:
(a) A licensed veterinarian shall maintain a confidential relationship with the client or the client’s authorized agent.
(b) Nothing in this section limits or interferes with a licensed veterinarian’s ability to report suspected animal abuse.

Is Training Required?
Alaska veterinarians must report 30 hours of continuing education during each licensing period. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

AMERICAN SAMOA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
America Samoa has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
There are no provisions for reporting animal cruelty.

What are the reporting protocols?
None.

Is Training Required?
There are no training requirements at this time.

ARIZONA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2239 (2010). Duty of veterinarian to report suspected abuse, cruelty, neglect or animal fighting; immunity.
A. A veterinarian who reasonably suspects or believes that an animal has been a victim of abuse, cruelty or neglect or has been involved in animal fighting shall report that suspicion, or cause a report to be made, to law enforcement within 48 hours after treatment or examination. The report shall include the breed and description of the animal and the name and address of the owner or person who sought the examination or treatment. Veterinary records shall be provided to local law enforcement on request in furtherance of any criminal investigation for abuse, cruelty, neglect or animal fighting.
B. A veterinarian shall report, in writing, suspected cases of abuse of livestock to the associate director of the division of animal services in the Arizona department of agriculture pursuant to title 3, chapter 11, article 1. The report shall be made within 48 hours after treatment or examination and shall include the breed and description of the animal together with the name and address of the owner.
C. A veterinarian who files a report as provided in this section shall be immune from civil liability with respect to any report made in good faith.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 20 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

ARKANSAS REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Arkansas has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
Ark. Code. Ann. § 5-62-107. Immunity for reporting cruelty to animals or aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or horse.
Except as provided in § 5-54-122, a person who in good faith reports a suspected incident of cruelty to animals or aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat, or horse to a local law enforcement agency or to the Department of Arkansas State Police is immune from civil and criminal liability for reporting the incident.

Ark. Code Ann. § 5-62-109. Immunity – Veterinarians.
(a) A licensed veterinarian or a person acting at the direction of a licensed veterinarian in Arkansas is:
(1) Held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decision made or service rendered in conjunction with this subchapter; and
(2) Immune from suit for his or her part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

(b) A veterinarian or person acting at the direction of a licensed veterinarian who participates or reports in bad faith or with malice is not protected under this subchapter.

A.C.A. § 20-19-104. Voluntary certification program.
a) The Department of Health shall establish a voluntary certification program for animal control officers, animal shelters, and other humane society counterparts.

(b) The certification shall be based upon courses recommended by the National Animal Care and Control Association* or its equivalent.

(c) Certification of animal shelters shall be based upon compliance with shelter standards published by the Humane Society of the United States.

(d) Training shall be administered by the Arkansas State Animal Control Association in cooperation with the department and utilizing qualified experts, including, but not limited to, licensed veterinarians and persons holding professional registrations or certifications in the appropriate areas of expertise.

* Note: The National Animal Care & Control Association ACO I Training and Certification course includes “Protecting Public Safety: Understanding The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence.”

CALIFORNIA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

Who is Permitted to Report?
County child protective services agency employees
County adult protective services agency employees

What are the reporting protocols?
CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE § 4830.7. Veterinary medicine – Practice provisions.
Whenever any licensee under this chapter has reasonable cause to believe an animal under its care has been a victim of animal abuse or cruelty, as prescribed in Section 597 of the Penal Code, it shall be the duty of the licensee to promptly report it to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county, city, or city and county in which it occurred. No licensee shall incur any civil liability as a result of making any report pursuant to this section or as a result of making any report of a violation of subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 597 of the Penal Code.

CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE § 4830.5. Veterinary medicine – Practice provisions.
(a) If a licensee under this chapter has reasonable cause to believe that a dog has been injured or killed through participation in a staged animal fight, as prescribed in Section 597b of the Penal Code, it is the duty of the licensee to promptly report that fact to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county, city, or city and county in which the fight occurred.
(b) A licensee shall not incur any civil liability as a result of making any report pursuant to this section or as a result of making any report of a violation of Section 596, subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 597, or Section 597b, former Section 597f, Section 597g, 597n, 597.1, or 597.5 of the Penal Code.

CAL. PENAL CODE § 11199. Reports of Animal Cruelty, Abuse, or Neglect.
(a) Any employee of a county child or adult protective services agency, while acting in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, who has knowledge of or observes an animal whom he or she knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of cruelty, abuse, or neglect, may report the known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect to the entity or entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect in that county.

(b) The report may be made within two working days of receiving the information concerning the animal by facsimile transmission of a written report presented in the form described in subdivision (e) or by telephone if all of the information that is required to be provided pursuant to subdivision (e) is furnished. In cases where an immediate response may be necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the animal or others, the report may be made by telephone as soon as possible.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to investigate known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect.

(d) As used in this section, the terms “animal,” “cruelty,” “abuse,” “neglect,” “reasonable suspicion,” and “owner” are defined as follows:
(1) “Animal” includes every dumb creature.
(2) “Cruelty,” “abuse,” and “neglect” include every act, omission, or neglect whereby unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering is caused or permitted.
(3) “Reasonable suspicion” means that it is objectively reasonable for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person in a like position, drawing, when appropriate, on his or her training and experience, to suspect animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect.
(4) “Owner” means any person who is the legal owner, keeper, harborer, possessor, or the actual custodian of an animal. “Owner” includes corporations as well as individuals.
(e) Reports made pursuant to this section may be made on a preprinted form prepared by the entity or entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect in that county that includes the definitions contained in subdivision (d), and a space for the reporter to include each of the following:
(1) His or her name and title.
(2) His or her business address and telephone number.
(3) The name, if known, of the animal owner or custodian.
(4) The location of the animal and the premises on which the known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect took place.
(5) A description of the location of the animal and the premises.
(6) Type and numbers of animals involved.
(7) A description of the animal and its condition.
(8) The date, time, and a description of the observation or incident which led the reporter to suspect animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect and any other information the reporter believes may be relevant.
(f) When two or more employees of a county child or adult protective services agency are present and jointly have knowledge of known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect, and where there is agreement among them, a report may be made by one person by mutual agreement. Any reporter who has knowledge that the person designated to report has failed to do so may thereafter make the report.

Is Training Required?
CAL. PENAL CODE § 830.9. Peace officers. Animal control officers are not peace officers but may exercise the powers of arrest of a peace officer as specified in Section 836 and the power to serve warrants as specified in Sections 1523 and 1530 during the course and within the scope of their employment, if those officers successfully complete a course in the exercise of those powers pursuant to Section 832*. That part of the training course specified in Section 832 pertaining to the carrying and use of firearms shall not be required for any animal control officers whose employing agency prohibits the use of firearms.

* NOTE: CA Penal Code § 832 (2023) states that every person described in this chapter as a peace officer shall satisfactorily complete an introductory training course prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. An 8-hour elective course in the P.O.S.T. catalog is #1344-33880 – “Animal Cruelty/Human Violence” to provide students with the tools to help identify the maltreatment of children, elderly, and animals; the need for mandating reporting; multi-agency interactions; and the theories of why people hurt animals.

CAL. HEALTH & SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 20.5. Animal Control Officer Standards Act. § 26222.
(a) The board shall develop and maintain standards for various classes of CACOs. The standards for education, training, and certification shall be adopted by administrative rule of the board, and shall not be less rigorous than those described in this chapter. A CalAnimals training committee shall review the standards and provide input to the board for adoption.

(b) The development and perpetual advancement of animal control officer professional standards and actively providing related educational offerings that lead to increased professional competence and ethical behavior shall be the highest priorities for the board in its licensing, certification, and disciplinary functions. Whenever the advancement of animal control officer professional standards and the provision of related educational offerings is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the former shall be paramount.

(c) The minimum standards to become a certified animal control officer are as follows:
(1) Completion of at least 20 hours of a course of training in animal care sponsored or provided by an accredited postsecondary institution or any other provider approved by the California Veterinary Medical Association, the focus of which is the identification of disease, injury, and neglect in domestic animals and livestock.

(2) Completion of at least 40 hours of a course of training on state laws relating to the powers and duties of an officer charged with enforcing laws relating to the humane treatment of animals sponsored or provided by an accredited postsecondary institution, law enforcement agency, or CalAnimals. Training required pursuant to Section 830.9 of the Penal Code, as prescribed in Section 832 of the Penal Code, does not satisfy the minimum of 40 hours of training required by this paragraph. The course shall include, but not be limited to, training and competency requirements in the areas of administrative inspection, relevant food and agricultural laws, Penal Code provisions governing the treatment of animals and animal-related crimes, state and local health and safety codes, environmental regulations, public nuisance laws, applicable constitutional law, investigation and enforcement techniques, application of remedies, officer safety, and community engagement.

(3) During each three-year period following the date on which the certification was earned, completion of 40 hours of continuing education and training relating to the powers and duties of an animal control officer, which shall be sponsored or provided by an accredited postsecondary institution, law enforcement agency, or CalAnimals. Documentation shall be served to CalAnimals no later than 21 days after the expiration of each three-year period.

(4) An individual who has become a CACO in accordance with paragraph (1) shall complete the continuing education and training as required in this section from the date their certification is granted by the board.

NOTE: The Animal Control Standards Act was enacted in 2019 as a voluntary program to set the standards, minimum requirements, and ongoing educational requirements for local animal control officers who elect to attain the title of Certified Animal Control Officer and help local agencies identify, select, and train qualified public officers to enforce animal welfare laws. It was the intent of the Legislature that compliance with this act be voluntary and not a mandate requiring local agencies or employers to require their animal control officers to become certified. The voluntary program created pursuant to this act was designed to ensure that individuals who are certified animal control officers have met prescribed education, training, and experience requirements and will maintain the standards through continuing education.

COLORADO REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
COLO REV. STAT. § §12-315-120. Reporting requirements–immunity for reporting- veterinary-patient-client privilege inapplicable.
(1) A licensed veterinarian who, during the course of attending or treating an animal, has reasonable cause to know or suspect that the animal has been subjected to cruelty in violation of section 18-9-202, C.R.S., or subjected to animal fighting in violation of section 18-9-204, C.R.S., shall report or cause a report to be made of the animal cruelty or animal fighting to a local law enforcement agency or the bureau of animal protection.

(2) A licensed veterinarian shall not knowingly make a false report of animal cruelty or animal fighting to a local law enforcement agency or to the bureau of animal protection.

(3) A licensed veterinarian who willfully violates the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) of this section commits a petty offense, punishable as provided in section 18-1.3-503, C.R.S.

(4) A licensed veterinarian who in good faith reports a suspected incident of animal cruelty or animal fighting to the proper authorities in accordance with subsection (1) of this section shall be immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the incident. In any civil or criminal proceeding in which the liability of a veterinarian for reporting an incident described in subsection (1) of this section is at issue, the good faith of the veterinarian shall be presumed.

(5) The veterinary-patient-client privilege described in section 24-72-204(3)(a)(XIV), C.R.S., may not be asserted for the purpose of excluding or refusing evidence or testimony in a prosecution for an act of animal cruelty under section 18-9-202, C.R.S., or for an act of animal fighting under section 18-9-204, C.R.S.”

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 32 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Colorado state animal control officers are required to maintain their credentials every two years with 10 hours each year. Training opportunities for animal control officers are not limited. A broad selection of classes are offered by the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, numerous outside organizations and within officers’ own agencies. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

CONNECTICUT REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians
Employees of the Department of Children and Families

What are the reporting protocols?
C.G.S.A. § 53a-65(6). Definitions.
(a) Any veterinarian licensed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 384 of the general statutes, who in the course of his or her employment, has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is being or has been harmed, neglected or treated cruelly due to participation in an exhibition of animal fighting for amusement or gain, shall report the following information to the local law enforcement agency or animal control officer:
(1) The address of the owner or other person responsible for care of the animal;
(2) a description of the animal; and
(3) the approximate date and time of discovery of such harm, neglect or cruelty.

(b) Any veterinarian, who in good faith, makes a report pursuant to this section, shall be immune from any civil liability which might otherwise arise from or be related to the actions taken pursuant to this section and shall have the same immunity with respect to any judicial proceeding which results from such report. The immunity from civil liability extends only to actions done pursuant to this section and does not extend to the malpractice of a veterinarian that results in injury to, or the death of, an animal.”

C.G.S.A. § 17a-100a. Reporting of neglected or cruelly treated animals.
(a) Any employee of the Department of Children and Families who, in the course of his or her employment, has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is being or has been harmed, neglected or treated cruelly in violation of section 53-247 shall make a written report to the Commissioner of Agriculture in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

(b) A report made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be made as soon as practicable, but not later than forty-eight hours after the employee has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal has been harmed, neglected or treated cruelly, and shall contain the following, if known:
(1) The address where the animal was observed and the name and address of the owner or other person responsible for care of the animal;
(2) the name and a description of the animal;
(3) the nature and extent of the harm to, neglect of or cruelty to the animal; and
(4) the approximate date and time such harm, neglect or cruelty was suspected.”

NOTE: There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control officers, often located within towns’ law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
C.G.S.A. § 17a-100a. Training.
(c) Not later than October 1, 2012, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Children and Families, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture and within available appropriations, shall develop and implement training for Department of Children and Families employees concerning the identification of harm to, neglect of and cruelty to animals and its relationship to child welfare case practice.

C.G.S.A. § 17a-100b. Training program for animal control officers to identify and report child abuse and neglect.
The Commissioner of Children and Families shall, within available appropriations, make available to all animal control officers training concerning the accurate and prompt identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

C.G.S.A. § 22-328. Enforcement. Animal control officers. Expenses. Training of animal control officers. Reimbursement. Training program curriculum. Issuance of certificate. Continuing education requirement.
(d) Not later than July 1, 2012, the commissioner shall prescribe the standards and curriculum for a training program for persons interested in serving in the position of animal control officer or appointed on or after July 1, 2012, to such position. Such training program shall consist of eighty or more hours of instruction. The curriculum for such program shall include the following topics:
(1) Animal identification;
(2) State laws governing animal control and protection and animal cruelty;
(3) Animal health and disease recognition, control and prevention;
(4) The humane care and treatment of animals;
(5) Standards for care and control of animals in an animal shelter;
(6) Standards and procedures for the transportation of animals;
(7) Principles and procedures for capturing and handling stray domestic animals and wildlife, including principles and procedures to be followed with respect to an instrument used specifically for deterring the bite of an animal;
(8) First aid for injured animals;
(9) Documentation of animal cruelty evidence and courtroom procedures;
(10) Animal shelter operations and administration;
(11) Spaying and neutering, microchipping and adoption;
(12) Communications and public relations;
(13) Search warrants and affidavits;
(14) Civil liability for the animal control officer;
(15) Crisis intervention and officer safety; and
(16) Any other topics pertinent to animal control and animal shelter personnel.
(f) Each animal control officer shall complete a minimum of six hours of continuing education related to the duties of an animal control officer in each calendar year. The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, concerning the implementation of such continuing education requirement.

DELAWARE REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Delaware has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
There is no statutory language specifically permitting all residents to report suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. However, as a matter of practice, any individual can make such a report. Delaware is unique in having one central agency that receives reports of animal cruelty: the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, a division within the Health and Social Services Department.. To identify where and how to report, consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

What are the reporting protocols?
To report suspected cruelty of companion animals, call Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646 or report online. To report cruelty or neglect of agricultural or farm animals, call the Delaware Department of Agriculture at 302-698-4500

Is Training Required?
Delaware is the only state that administers all of its own animal control officers. This unusual model is overseen by the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, a division within the Health and Social Services Department. Although the state does not mandate training in code, the division provides standardized training to all of the state’s officers during the initial period of employment. This training periodically includes classes on the recognition and response to suspected child, elder and domestic abuse.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Law enforcement officers
Child protective services employees

What are the reporting protocols?
D.C. Code § 22–1002.01. Reporting requirements.
(a)(1) Any law enforcement or child or protective services employee who knows of or has reasonable cause to suspect an animal has been the victim of cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, or observes an animal at the home of a person reasonably suspected of child, adult, or animal abuse, shall provide a report within 2 business days to the Mayor. If the health and welfare of the animal is in immediate danger, the report shall be made within 6 hours.
(2) The report shall include:
(A) The name, title, and contact information of the individual making the report;
(B) The name and contact information, if known, of the owner or custodian of the animal;
(C) The location, along with a description, of where the animal was observed; and
(D) The basis for any suspicion of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, including the date, time, and a description of the observation or incident which led the individual to make the report.
(b) When 2 or more law enforcement or child or protective services employees jointly suspect an animal has been the victim of cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, or jointly observe an animal at the home of a person reasonably suspected of child, adult, or animal abuse, a report may be made by one person by mutual agreement.
(c) No individual who in good faith reports a reasonable suspicion of abuse shall be liable in any civil or criminal action.
(d) Upon receipt of a report, any agency charged with the enforcement of animal cruelty laws shall make reasonable attempts to verify the welfare of the animal.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the terms “reasonable cause to suspect”, “suspect”, “reasonably suspected”, and “reasonable suspicion” mean a basis for reporting facts leading a person of ordinary care and prudence to believe and entertain a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is occurring or has occurred.
Is Training Required?
D.C. child protective services workers and law enforcement officers receive pre- and in-service training. It is unknown whether this training includes the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

FLORIDA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Child protective investigators

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
FLA. STAT. ANN. § 39.208 (2023). Cross-reporting child abuse, abandonment, or neglect and animal cruelty.
(1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.—
(a) The Legislature recognizes that animal cruelty of any kind is a type of interpersonal violence that often co-occurs with child abuse and other forms of family violence, including elder abuse and domestic violence. Early identification of animal cruelty is an important tool in safeguarding children from abuse, abandonment, and neglect; providing needed support to families; and protecting animals.

(b) The Legislature finds that education and training for child protective investigators and animal control officers should include information on the link between the welfare of animals in the family and child safety and protection.

(c) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to require reporting and cross-reporting protocols and collaborative training between child protective investigators and animal control officers to help protect the safety and well-being of children, their families, and their animals.

(2) RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATORS.—
(a) Any person who is required to investigate child abuse, abandonment, or neglect under this chapter and who, while acting in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of employment, knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that animal cruelty, as those terms are defined in s. 828.27(1)(a) and (d), respectively, has occurred at the same address shall report such knowledge or suspicion within 72 hours after the child protective investigator becomes aware of the known or suspected animal cruelty to his or her supervisor, who shall submit the report to a local animal control agency. The report must include all of the following information:
1. A description of the animal and of the known or suspected animal cruelty.
2. The name and address of the animal’s owner or keeper, if that information is available to the child protective investigator.
3. Any other information available to the child protective investigator which might assist an animal control officer, as defined in s. 828.27(1)(b), or law enforcement officer in establishing the cause of the animal cruelty and the manner in which it occurred.

(b) A child protective investigator who makes a report under this section is presumed to have acted in good faith. An investigator acting in good faith who makes a report under this section or who cooperates in an investigation of known or suspected animal cruelty is immune from any civil or criminal liability or administrative penalty or sanction that might otherwise be incurred in connection with making the report or otherwise cooperating.

(4) PENALTIES.—
(a) A child protective investigator who is required to report known or suspected animal cruelty under subsection (2) and who knowingly and willfully fails to do so commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

FLA. STAT. ANN. § 828.12(4) (2010). Cruelty to animals.
(4) A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made or services rendered under the provisions of this section. Such a veterinarian is, therefore, under this subsection, immune from a lawsuit for his or her part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

Is Training Required?
FLA. STAT. ANN. § 39.208 (2023). Cross-reporting child abuse, abandonment, or neglect and animal cruelty.
(5) TRAINING.—The department, in consultation with animal welfare associations, shall develop or adapt and use already available training materials in a 1-hour training course for all child protective investigators and animal control officers on the accurate and timely identification and reporting of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect or animal cruelty and the interconnectedness of such abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The department shall incorporate into the required training for child protective investigators information on the identification of harm to and neglect of animals and the relationship of such activities to child welfare case practice. The 1-hour training course developed for animal control officers must include a component that advises such officers of the mandatory duty to report any known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect under this section and s. 39.201 and the criminal penalties associated with a violation of failing to report known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect which is punishable as provided under s. 39.205.

FLA. STAT. ANN. § 828.27 (2021). Local animal control or cruelty ordinances; penalty.
(4)(a)1. County-employed animal control officers must, and municipally-employed animal control officers may, successfully complete a 40-hour minimum standards training course. Such course must include, but is not limited to, training for animal cruelty investigations, search and seizure, animal handling, courtroom demeanor, and civil citations. The course curriculum must be approved by the Florida Animal Control Association. An animal control officer who successfully completes such course shall be issued a certificate indicating that he or she has received a passing grade.

2. County-employed and municipally-employed animal control officers must successfully complete the 1-hour training course developed by the Department of Children and Families pursuant to s. 39.208(5). Animal control officers must be provided with opportunities to attend the training during their normal work hours.

4. In order to maintain valid certification, every 2 years each certified animal control officer must complete 4 hours of postcertification continuing education training. Such training may include, but is not limited to, training for animal cruelty investigations, search and seizure, animal handling, courtroom demeanor, and civil citations.

GEORGIA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Georgia has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians

What are the reporting protocols?
O.C.G.A. § 4-11-17. Filing a report regarding animal cruelty; Immunity.
a. Notwithstanding Code Section 24-12-31 or any other provision of law to the contrary, any licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician having reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been subjected to animal cruelty in violation of Code Section 16-12-4 or an act prohibited under Code Section 16-12-37 may make or cause to be made a report of such violation to the Commissioner, his or her designee, an animal control officer, a law enforcement agency, or a prosecuting attorney and may appear and testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding concerning the care of an animal.

b. Any person participating in the making of a report pursuant to this Code section or participating in any administrative or judicial proceeding pursuant to this article or Title 16 shall, in so doing, be immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed, provided such participation pursuant to this Code section or any other law is made in good faith.

Is Training Required?
Georgia animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Georgia Animal Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

GUAM REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Physicians (animal fighting)
Other health care providers (animal fighting)

Who is Permitted to Report?
Police officers
Licensed social workers

What are the reporting protocols?
9 Guam Code § 70.35. Animal fighting.
(f) Veterinarians and/or physicians and/or health professionals are required to report suspected animal fighting incidents, excluding cockfighting as authorized by law, that come to their attention through the provision of medical services to an animal to the Guam Police Department within five days of learning of dogfighting incidents. Failure to do so shall result in potential loss of licensure if deemed appropriate by the appropriate licensure agencies. Any veterinarians, physicians, or health professionals making a report under this Subsection shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability by reason of making the report, unless the report was made in bad faith.

9 Guam Code § 70.75. Pre-trial provisions.
(a) Reporting and Immunity.
(1) The following designees, having a good-faith belief that any animal with whom the designee comes in contact has suffered a violation of this Article or that any person with whom the designee comes in contact has committed a violation of this Article, may report, or cause a report to be made to the Animal Control Division of the Department of Agriculture:
(A) a police officer; or
(B) a licensed social worker.

(2) Any designee making a report under this Subsection shall not be required to report such information communicated by a person if the communication is privileged under Guam law.

(3) Any designee making a report under this Subsection shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability by reason of making the report, unless the report was made in bad faith.

Is Training Required?
Guam animal control officers are not mandated to receive training. However, Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the National Animal Care and Control Association.

* Note: The National Animal Care & Control Association ACO I Training and Certification course includes “Protecting Public Safety: Understanding The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence.”

HAWAII REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
H.R.S. § 471-18 Reporting; duty; dogfighting; animal cruelty; immunity from civil liability.
(a) Whenever any veterinarian duly licensed under this chapter has reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been injured or killed through participation in a staged animal fight, as prescribed in section 711-1109.3 or 711-1109.35, it shall be the duty of the veterinarian to promptly report the event to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county where the event occurred.

(b) Whenever any veterinarian duly licensed under this chapter has reasonable cause to believe an animal under the veterinarian’s care has been a victim of animal cruelty, as prescribed in section 711-1108.5 or 711-1109, it shall be the duty of the veterinarian to promptly report the event to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county where the event occurred.

(c) No veterinarian duly licensed under this chapter shall incur any civil liability as a result of making any report pursuant to this section or as a result of making any report of a violation of section 711-1108.5, 711-1109, 711-1109.3, or 711-1109.35.

NOTE: There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control/services, humane society, or law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 20 hours of continuing education to renew their licenses. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Hawaii animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

IDAHO REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Idaho has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
I.C. § 25-3514a. Animal Care; Immunity.
Any Idaho licensed veterinarian shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made or services rendered under the provisions of this chapter. Such a veterinarian is, therefore, protected from a lawsuit for his part in an investigation of cruelty to animals. Provided however, that a veterinarian who participates or reports in bad faith or with malice shall not be protected under the provisions of this section.

NOTE: There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control/services, humane society, or law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 15 hours of continuing education to renew their licenses. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

NOTE: Idaho animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

ILLINOIS REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians
Department of Children & Family Services Investigation Specialists, Intact Family Specialists, and Placement Specialists

What are the reporting protocols?
510 ILCS 70/3.07. Humane Care for Animals Act. Veterinarian reports.
Any veterinarian in this State who observes or is presented with an animal or animals for the treatment of aggravated cruelty under Section 3.02 or torture under Section 3.03 of this Act must file a report with the Department and cooperate with the Department by furnishing the owner’s name, the date of receipt of the animal or animals and any treatment administered, and a description of the animal or animals involved, including a microchip number if applicable. Any veterinarian who in good faith makes a report, as required by this Section, has immunity from any liability, civil, criminal, or otherwise, that may result from his or her actions. For the purposes of any proceedings, civil or criminal, the good faith of the veterinarian shall be presumed.

510 ILCS 70/4.01. Humane Care for Animals Act. Animals in entertainment.
(k) Any veterinarian in this State who is presented with an animal for treatment of injuries or wounds resulting from fighting where there is a reasonable possibility that the animal was engaged in or utilized for a fighting event for the purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment shall file a report with the Department and cooperate by furnishing the owners’ names, dates, and descriptions of the animal or animals involved. Any veterinarian who in good faith complies with the requirements of this subsection has immunity from any liability, civil, criminal, or otherwise, that may result from his or her actions. For the purposes of any proceedings, civil or criminal, the good faith of the veterinarian shall be rebuttably presumed.

510 ILCS 70/10. Humane Care for Animals Act. Investigation of Complaints.
(b) Any veterinarian acting in good faith is immune from any civil or criminal liability resulting from his or her actions under this Section. The good faith on the part of the veterinarian is presumed.

225 ILCS 115/25.19. Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act. Mandatory Reporting.
Nothing in this Act exempts a licensee from the mandatory reporting requirements regarding suspected acts of aggravated cruelty, torture, and animal fighting imposed under Sections 3.07 and 4.01 of the Humane Care for Animals Act and Section 26-5 or 48-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

325 ILCS 5/11.8. Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Cross-reporting.
(a) Investigation Specialists, Intact Family Specialists, and Placement Specialists employed by the Department of Children and Family Services who reasonably believe that an animal observed by them when in their professional or official capacity is being abused or neglected in violation of the Humane Care for Animals Act must immediately make a written or oral report to the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare. However, the Department of Children and Family Services may not discipline an Investigation Specialist, an Intact Family Specialist, or a Placement Specialist for failing to make such a report if the Specialist determines that making the report would interfere with the performance of his or her child welfare protection duties.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 40 hours of continuing education every year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

NOTE: Illinois animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Illinois Animal Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

INDIANA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Indiana has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians
Adult Protective Services unit
Department of Child Services caseworkers

What are the reporting protocols?
IC 25-38.1-4-8.5 Immunity for reporting suspected animal cruelty.
A veterinarian or registered veterinary technician who reports in good faith and in the normal course of business a suspected incident of animal cruelty under IC 35-46-3 to a law enforcement officer is immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought for reporting the incident.

IC 12-10-3-8.5 Reporting of observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.
(a) If, during an investigation under section 8 of this chapter, an adult protective services unit observes, or has reason to believe, that an animal is a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, the adult protective services unit may make a report of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect to:
(1) the local law enforcement agency; or
(2) the local animal control officer.

(b) The information provided in a report under subsection (a) must include the following:
(1) A name and description of the animal and the animal’s condition.
(2) The name and contact number, if known, of the owner or custodian of the animal.
(3) The address or location of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.
(4) The nature and apparent extent of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.

(c) This section does not impose a duty or obligation on the adult protective services unit to investigate known or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.

(d) An adult protective services unit that makes a report of an animal that may be a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect is immune from any civil or criminal liability unless the adult protective services unit made the report as a result of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

(e) The identity of any adult protective services unit that makes a report under this section is confidential.

(f) This section does not expand or limit other laws concerning confidentiality requirements.

IC 31-33-8-7.5 Reporting of observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.
(a) If, during the assessment, a caseworker observes, or has reason to believe, that an animal is a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, the caseworker may make a report of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect to:
(1) the local law enforcement agency; or
(2) the local animal control officer.

(c) This section does not impose a duty or obligation on the caseworker to investigate known or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.

(d) A caseworker who makes a report of an animal that may be a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect is immune from any civil or criminal liability unless the caseworker made the report as a result of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

(e) The identity of any caseworker who makes a report under this section is confidential.

(f) This section does not expand or limit other laws concerning confidentiality requirements.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education credits each year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. Registered Veterinary Technicians are required to have completed 16 hours of continuing education.

Indiana child and adult protective services workers receive pre- and in-service training. It is unknown whether this training includes the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

NOTE: Indiana animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

IOWA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Iowa has no mandatory reporting laws addressing animal cruelty, abuse or neglect at this time.

What are the reporting protocols?
There are currently no reporting protocols in place for animal cruelty, abuse or neglect in Iowa.

Is Training Required?
There is no requirement for inclusion of recognition and response to animal cruelty, abuse or neglect in pre-professional or continuing education.

KANSAS REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
K.A.R. 70-8-1(q). Acts of unprofessional conduct.
Each of the following acts by a Kansas licensed veterinarian shall be considered unprofessional conduct and shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action against the licensee:
(q) failing to report to the proper authorities cruel or inhumane treatment to animals, if the veterinarian has direct knowledge of the cruel or inhumane treatment.

KAN. STAT. ANN. § 47-839. Confidentiality; exceptions; waiver.
(a) Except as otherwise provided under K.S.A. 47-622 and 47-624, and amendments thereto, a licensed veterinarian shall not disclose any information concerning the veterinarian’s care of an animal except on written authorization or other waiver by the veterinarian’s client or on appropriate court order or subpoena. Any veterinarian who releases information under written authorization or other waiver by the client or under court order or subpoena shall not be liable to the client or any other person.

The privilege provided by this section shall be waived under the following circumstances:
(1) Reporting cruel or inhumane treatment of any animal to federal, state or local governmental agencies;
(2) where information is necessary to provide care in an emergency where the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to place the animal’s health in serious jeopardy or impair bodily function;
(3) where the failure to disclose vaccination information may endanger the public’s health, safety or welfare;
(4) where the veterinarian’s client or the owner of the animal places the veterinarian’s care and treatment of the animal or the nature and extent of injuries to the animal at issue in any civil or criminal proceeding; or
(5) in relation to any investigation by the board and any subsequent administrative disciplinary action brought by the board.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 20 hours of continuing education each year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

NOTE: Kansas animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

KENTUCKY REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Kentucky has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 321.188. Reporting of animal abuse.
If a veterinarian finds that an animal with which the veterinarian has a VCPR [veterinarian-client-patient relationship] has been abused in violation of KRS 525.125, 525.130, 525.135, or 525.137, the veterinarian may make a report to:
(1) The Office of the State Veterinarian for any animal for which an on-farm livestock or poultry care standard has been promulgated under KRS 257.196; or
(2) Law enforcement for any other animal.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 321.185(4)(b). Veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
(b). A veterinarian shall not release information concerning a client or care of a client’s animal, except:
1. On the veterinarian’s receipt of:
a. A written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client; or
b. An appropriate court order or subpoena;
2. In cases of animal abuse, pursuant to KRS 321.188.

(c). A veterinarian who releases information under paragraph (b) of this subsection shall not be liable to any person, including the client, for an action resulting from the disclosure.

(e) This subsection shall not apply to:
1. An inspection or investigation conducted by the board or an agent of the board; or
2. The veterinary reporting requirements and regulatory authority of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to inspect, investigate, and supervise horses and other participants in horse racing as provided by KRS Chapter 230 and the administrative regulations promulgated under KRS Chapter 230, or any other state or federal law applicable to the regulation of horse racing in the Commonwealth.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 30 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Kentucky animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

LOUISIANA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Law enforcement officers
Child abuse workers
Adult protective services workers

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians

What are the reporting protocols?
R.S. § 403.6. Reporting of neglect or abuse of animals.
A. Any state or local law enforcement officer, or any employee of government or of a government contractor who in his professional capacity routinely investigates alleged abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child, or abuse or neglect of an adult under the provisions of R.S. 15:1507, who becomes aware of evidence of neglect or abuse of an animal shall report such incident to the law enforcement authority of the governing authority in which the incident has occurred or the local animal welfare authority. The name and identifying information regarding the reporter of animal maltreatment shall be confidential.

B. No person required to report under the provisions of Subsection A of this Section shall knowingly and willfully obstruct the procedures for receiving and investigating a report of abuse or neglect or shall disclose, without authorization, confidential information which was reported.

C. No person shall make a report required by this Section knowing that any information therein is false.

R.S. § 9:2800.28. Limitation of liability for veterinary professionals who report animal cruelty.
A. Any veterinarian licensed by the state or veterinary technician licensed by the state who reports in good faith and has reasonable belief that an animal has been the subject of a violation of R.S. 14:102.1, 102.5, 102.8, 102.19, 102.20, 102.23, or 102.26 shall be immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution if he reports such violation to the commissioner or designee of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a P.O.S.T. certified animal control officer, a law enforcement agency, or a prosecuting attorney or if he participates in any investigation or proceeding for acts prohibited by law.

B. Additionally, any veterinarian licensed by the state or veterinary technician licensed by the state shall be immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution for the release of confidential information pursuant to a subpoena or court-ordered disclosure, or upon written consent from the animal’s owner or the animal owner’s legal representative.

C. This Section shall not apply if the veterinarian or veterinary technician acts with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or in bad faith.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 20 hours of continuing education every year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Louisiana law enforcement officers and child and adult protective services workers receive pre- and in-service training. It is unknown whether this training includes the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Louisiana animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Louisiana Animal Care & Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

MAINE REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians (aggravated cruelty)

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians (cruelty or neglect)
Child Protective Services employees
Adult Protective Services employees
State-funded social services agency employees
State-funded mental health agency employees

What are the reporting protocols?
ME. REV. STAT. ANN. Title 7, § 4018. Report of suspected cruelty.
1. Report by veterinarian. Except as provided in subsection 1 A, a veterinarian licensed in accordance with Title 32, chapter 71 A who, while acting in a professional capacity, has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is the subject of cruelty or neglect in violation of this chapter or Title 17, chapter 42 may report the suspected violation to the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee. A veterinarian making a report under this section may appear and testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding concerning the condition or care of the animal.

1-A. Report by veterinarian required. A veterinarian licensed in accordance with Title 32, chapter 71 A who, while acting in a professional capacity, has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is the subject of aggravated cruelty under Title 17, section 1031, subsection 1 B shall report the suspected violation to the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee. A veterinarian making a report under this section may appear and testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding concerning the condition or care of the animal.

2. Immunity. A veterinarian reporting or testifying under this section is immune from criminal or civil liability or professional disciplinary action that might otherwise result from these actions. The immunity from liability for releasing confidential information applies only to the release of information to the court or to the department, an animal control officer, attorney for the State or law enforcement agency involved in the investigation.

ME. REV. STAT. ANN. Title 34-B § 1901. Animal cruelty, abuse or neglect; reporting.
1. Definitions. As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. “Animal” means every living, sentient creature not a human being.
B. “Cruelty, abuse or neglect” means every act, omission or instance of neglect when unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused or permitted.
C. “Owner” means a person, firm, partnership, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring an animal.
D. “Reasonably suspect” means to hold an objectively reasonable suspicion based upon facts that would cause a reasonable person in a like position to draw on that person’s training or experience to suspect animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.
2. Report. An employee of a state-funded child or adult protective services agency or other social service agency, including those providing mental health services that are funded or licensed by the department, while acting in the employee’s professional capacity or within the scope of the employee’s employment, who has knowledge of or observes an animal that the employee knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of cruelty, abuse or neglect may report the known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect to the local animal control officer or to the animal welfare program of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry established pursuant to Title 7, section 3902.

3. Duty. Nothing in this section may be construed to impose a duty to investigate known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

4. Immunity from liability. A person participating in good faith in reporting under this subchapter is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from these actions, including, but not limited to, any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise arise under state or local laws or rules regarding confidentiality of information. In a proceeding regarding immunity from liability, there is a rebuttable presumption of good faith.

ME. REV. STAT. ANN. Title 22, § 4008. Records, confidentiality, disclosure.
2. Optional disclosure of records. The department may disclose relevant information in the records to the following persons:
K. The local animal control officer or the animal welfare program of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry established pursuant to Title 7, section 3902 when there is a reasonable suspicion of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. For purposes of this paragraph, “cruelty, abuse or neglect” has the same meaning as provided in Title 34 B, section 1901, subsection 1, paragraph B.

Is Training Required?
Maine veterinarians must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Maine child and adult protective services, social services and mental health agency workers receive pre- and in-service training. It is unknown whether this training includes the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

ME. REV. STAT. ANN. Title 7, § 3906-B. Powers and duties of commissioner:
4. Training and certification of animal control officers.
The commissioner shall develop both a basic and advanced program to train animal control officers. The basic program must include training in investigation of complaints of cruelty to animals, training in response to calls concerning animals suspected of having rabies and training in enforcement of dog licensing laws and rabies immunization laws.

The advanced training must include, but is not limited to, training in animal cruelty with respect to hoarders of animals, animal cruelty with respect to domestic violence, new laws, case reviews and report writing.

The commissioner shall certify all animal control officers who complete the training programs.

ME. REV. STAT. ANN. Title 7, § 3947. Animal control officers.
Each municipality shall appoint one or more animal control officers whose duties are enforcement of sections 3911, 3912, 3916, 3921, 3924, 3948, 3950, 3950 A, 3952 A, 4041 and 4042 and Title 17, section 1023, responding to reports of animals suspected of having rabies in accordance with Title 22, sections 1313 and 1313 A and any other duties to control animals as the municipality may require. A municipality may appoint an employee of an animal shelter as an animal control officer as long as the person meets the qualifications and training requirements of this section.

Animal control officers must be certified in accordance with section 3906 B, subsection 4. Upon initial appointment, an animal control officer must complete basic training and be certified by the commissioner within 6 months of appointment.

An animal control officer must attend advanced training programs as described under section 3906 B, subsection 4 to maintain certification. An animal control officer must have a minimum of 8 hours of training each year.

MARYLAND REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
MD Agric. Code Ann. § 2-313.1. Reporting animal cruelty or fighting.
(a) A veterinary practitioner who has reason to believe that an animal that has been treated by the veterinary practitioner has been subjected to cruelty or fighting in violation of § 10–604, § 10–606, § 10–607, or § 10–608 of the Criminal Law Article shall report the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting to the appropriate law enforcement agency or county animal control agency in a timely manner.

(b) A veterinary practitioner who makes a report under subsection (a) of this section shall include in the report:
(1) The name, age, and location of the animal;
(2) The name and home address of the owner or custodian of the animal;
(3) The nature and extent of the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting, including any evidence or information available to the veterinary practitioner concerning possible previous instances of animal cruelty or animal fighting; and
(4) Any other information that would help determine:
(i) The cause of the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting; and
(ii) The identity of any individual responsible for the suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting.

(c) A veterinary practitioner who reports in good faith suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting or participates in an investigation of suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting is immune from:
(1)Civil liability that results from the report or participation in the investigation; or
(2) Criminal prosecution for the report or participation in the investigation.

(d) The Board shall adopt regulations establishing:
(1) Confidentiality procedures for protecting the identity of the veterinary practitioner making a report under this section;
(2) Confidentiality procedures for protecting the substance of a report made under this section and any records associated with the report; and
(3) Conditions under which the substance of a report may be disclosed.

MD Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code § 5-424. Immunity – Veterinary practitioner.
A licensed veterinary practitioner is immune from any civil liability that results from:
(3) A report in good faith of suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting to a local law enforcement or county animal control agency under § 2-313.1 of the Agriculture Article; or
(4) The licensed veterinary practitioner’s participation in an investigation of suspected animal cruelty or animal fighting as provided in § 2-313.1(c) of the Agriculture Article.

There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control/services, humane society/SPCA, or law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 18 hours of continuing education every year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Maryland animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Professional Animal Workers of Maryland and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

MASSACHUSETTS REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

Who is Permitted to Report?
Department of Children and Families employees and contractors
Department of Elder Affairs employees and contractors

What are the reporting protocols?
MASS. GEN. LAWS Title XVI, Ch. 112, Sec. 58B. Reports of suspected acts of cruelty to animals; veterinarians; immunity from liability; failure to report.
A veterinarian who, while in the normal course of business, observes an animal whom such veterinarian knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of animal cruelty prohibited under sections 77 or 94 of chapter 272 shall report said suspected animal cruelty to a police officer or special state police officer appointed under section 57 of chapter 22C.

A veterinarian duly registered under section 55 who reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected act of cruelty to animals prohibited under said sections 77 or 94 of chapter 272 to a police officer or special state police officer appointed under said section 57 of said chapter 22C, shall not be liable in a civil or criminal action for reporting such act.

Any veterinarian who fails to report such an act of animal cruelty shall be reported to the board of registration in veterinary medicine.

MASS. GEN. LAWS Title XVII, Ch. 119, Sec.85. Department [of Children & Families] employees reporting animal cruelty, abuse or neglect; immunity from liability.
(a) During any investigation or evaluation reported under section 51A, any employee of the department or person employed pursuant to a contract with the department, when acting in his professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, who has knowledge of or observes an animal whom he knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, may report the known or suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect to a police officer or a special state police officer appointed pursuant to section 57 of chapter 22C.

(b) The report may be made within 2 working days of receiving the information concerning the animal, by facsimile transmission or a written report or by telephone. In cases where an immediate response may be necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the animal, the report should be made by telephone as soon as possible.

(c) When 2 or more employees of the department are present and jointly have knowledge of known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, and where there is agreement among them, a report may be made by 1 person by mutual agreement. Any reporter who has knowledge that the person designated to report has failed to do so may thereafter make the report.

(d) No person making such report shall be liable in any civil or criminal action by reason of such report if it was made in good faith. Any privilege established by sections 135A and 135B of chapter 112 or by section 20B of chapter 233, relating to confidential communications, shall not prohibit the filing of a report pursuant to this section.

(e) Nothing in this section shall impose a duty on the department to investigate known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prevent the department, area office or subdivision from entering into an agreement, contract or memorandum of understanding with the entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect as described in section 57 of chapter 22C, to require such reports or to engage in training in identification and reporting of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect.

MASS. GEN. LAWS Title II, Chap. 19A, Sec. 42. Reporting of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.
(a) During any investigation or evaluation reported under section 18, any employee of the department [of Elder Affairs], its designated agency or any person employed pursuant to a contract with the department or its designated agency, when acting in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, who has knowledge of or observes an animal whom he or she knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, may report the known or suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect to the entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, as described in section 57 of chapter 22C, or any local animal control authority.

(c) When 2 or more employees of the department or its designated agency, or persons employed pursuant to a contract with the department or its designated agency, are present and jointly have knowledge of known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, and where there is agreement among them, a report may be made by 1 person by mutual agreement. Any reporter who has knowledge that the person designated to report has failed to do so may thereafter make the report.

(e) Nothing in this section shall impose a duty on the department or its designated agency to investigate known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prevent the department, area office or subdivision or its designated agency from entering into an agreement, contract or memorandum of understanding with the entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect as described in section 57 of chapter 22C, to require such reports or to engage in training in identification and reporting of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect.

Is Training Required?
Massachusetts veterinarians must complete a minimum of 15 continuing education credits per calendar year to renew their license. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

MASS. GEN. LAWS Title XX, Chapter 140, Section 151C: Animal control officer training course.
The commissioner shall, from time to time and subject to the availability of funds from the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund in section 35WW of chapter 10, provide for a training course for animal control officers. For a training course established under this section, there shall be a preference for persons who have been in the employ of a city or town as an animal control officer for 12 months or less. A training course that is offered by a private entity including, but not limited to, the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts, shall not be eligible for reimbursement from the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund unless such course has been approved by the commissioner.

Massachusetts Animal Fund Animal Control Officer Training Institute Program.
All ACOs are required to complete 30 education credits (ECs) in their first training year. The Massachusetts Animal Fund Animal Control Institute’s Core Competencies Training is mandatory for all ACOs and worth 16 ECs.

All animal control officers are eligible for exemption from the remaining fourteen (14) credit hours of continuing education in the first year if they completed a comprehensive course with the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM), the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), or the New England Animal Control/Humane Academy (NEACHA).

After completing the year one training cycle, Core Training plus an additional 14 ECs, ACOs are required to take eight credit hours of approved continuing education through any combination of in-person or online trainings offered by or approved by the Massachusetts Animal Fund during each calendar year.

MICHIGAN REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Michigan has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians

What are the reporting protocols?
M.C.L. § 333.18827. Veterinarian or veterinary technician; reporting animal to be abandoned, neglected, or abused; immunity.
A veterinarian or veterinary technician who in good faith reports to a peace officer, an animal control officer, or an officer of a private organization devoted to the humane treatment of animals an animal that the veterinarian or veterinary technician knows or reasonably believes to be abandoned, neglected, or abused is immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 45 hours of continuing education every 3 years. Veterinary technicians need to complete 15 hours every 3 years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

M.C.L. §287.289b. County animal control officers; employment standards.
(1) The board of county commissioners shall adopt minimum employment standards relative to the recruitment, selection and appointment of animal control officers. The minimum standards shall include:
(a) Requirements for physical, educational, mental and moral fitness.
(b) A minimum course of study of not less than 100 instructional hours as prescribed by the department of agriculture.
(2) Subdivision (b) shall not apply if the animal control officer is a police officer or has served at least 3 years as an animal control officer.

M.C.L. §287.289c Municipal animal control officers; employment standards.
Any city, village or township adopting or having adopted an animal control ordinance shall provide in the ordinance that the minimum employment standards relative to the recruitment, selection and appointment of animal control officers shall at least equal the minimum standards set forth in section 289b.

MINNESOTA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

Who is Permitted to Report?
Any person

What are the reporting protocols?
M.S.A. § 346.37. General Provisions: Subd. 6.Reports of abuse, cruelty, or neglect.
A veterinarian must report known or suspected cases of abuse, cruelty, or neglect to peace officers and humane agents as provided in 343.12 and 343.29.

M.S.A. § 346.37. Veterinarian immunity.
A licensed veterinarian acting in good faith and in the normal course of business is immune from civil and criminal liability in any action arising in connection with the report of a suspected incident of animal cruelty.

Minnesota Administrative Rules § 9100.0700. Unprofessional conduct: Subpart 1. Prohibited acts.
The following acts by a licensed veterinarian are unprofessional conduct and constitute grounds for disciplinary action against the licensee:
S. failing to report to law enforcement or humane officers inhumane treatment to animals, including staged animal fights or training for fights, of which the veterinarian has direct knowledge.

M.S.A. § 343.22. Investigation of cruelty complaints. Subdivision 1. Reporting.
Any person who has reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has taken place or is taking place may apply to any court having jurisdiction over actions alleging violation of that section for a warrant and for investigation. The court shall examine under oath the person so applying and any witnesses the applicant produces and the court shall take their affidavits in writing. The affidavits must set forth facts tending to establish the grounds for believing a violation of this chapter has occurred or is occurring, or probable cause to believe that a violation exists. If the court is satisfied of the existence of the grounds of the application, or that there is probable cause to believe a violation exists, it shall issue a signed search warrant and order for investigation to a peace officer in the county. The order shall command the officer to proceed promptly to the location of the alleged violation. The order may command that a doctor of veterinary medicine accompany the officer.

Subd. 2.Police investigation.
The peace officer shall search the place designated in the warrant and, together with the veterinary doctor, shall conduct an investigation of the facts surrounding the alleged violation. The peace officer may retain in custody, subject to the order of the court, any property or things which are specified in the warrant, including any animal if the warrant so specifies. The warrant shall contain the names of the persons presenting affidavits in support of the application and the grounds for its issuance. Service shall be made in accordance with the provisions of sections 626.13, 626.14, and 626.16. The warrant must be executed and returned to the court which issued the warrant within ten days after its date; after the expiration of that time the warrant, unless executed, is void. The officer executing the warrant shall promptly return the warrant to the court, and deliver to it a written inventory of the property or things taken, verified by the certificate of the officer. The warrant and order for investigation issued pursuant to this section and section 343.23 shall have the same force as a warrant issued pursuant to chapter 626.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Minnesota animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

MISSISSIPPI REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Mississippi has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
MS Code § 73-39-87. Immunity from liability for veterinarians reporting suspected incidents of animal cruelty.
Any veterinarian licensed in this state who reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected incident of animal cruelty to the proper authorities shall be immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the incident.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 15 hours of continuing education per year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

MISSOURI REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
Mo. Code of State Regulations, 20 CSR 2270-6.011. Rules of Professional Conduct.
(11). Licensees shall not reveal confidential, proprietary or privileged facts or data or any other sensitive information contained in a patient’s medical records or as otherwise obtained in a professional capacity without the prior consent of the client except as otherwise authorized or required by Chapter 340, RSMo, lawful rules as promulgated by the board, court order or any other state or federal law, or regulation. However, this section shall not apply to cases in which the veterinarian may observe animal abuse or neglect. The board recognizes that veterinarians may observe cases of animal abuse or neglect as defined by federal or state laws, or local ordinances. When these situations cannot be resolved through education, the board considers it the responsibility of the veterinarian to report such cases to the appropriate authorities. Disclosures may be necessary to protect the health and welfare of animals and people. Veterinarians should be aware that accurate record keeping and documentation of these cases are invaluable.

R.S. MO. § 340.286. Disclosure of information, when required – immunity – waiver of privilege.
1. Except as otherwise provided for under section 340.270 or by board rule, no veterinarian licensed under the provisions of sections 340.200 to 340.330 shall be required to disclose any information concerning the veterinarian’s care of an animal, except on written authorization or other waiver by the veterinarian’s client or on appropriate court order or subpoena or as may be required to ensure compliance with any other federal or state law.

2. Any veterinarian releasing information under written authorization or other waiver by the client or under court order or subpoena shall not be liable to the client or any other person for claims arising as a result of releasing such information.

3. The privilege provided by this section shall be waived to the extent that the owner of the animal places the veterinarian’s care and treatment of the animal or the nature and extent of injuries to the animal at issue in any civil or criminal proceeding.

Is Training Required?
Missouri veterinarians must report 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Missouri animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Missouri Animal Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

MONTANA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Montana does not currently have reporting requirements for animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

What are the reporting protocols?
There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control/services, humane society/SPCA, or law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
Montana animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

NEBRASKA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians
Child protective services employees
Adult protective services employees

What are the reporting protocols?
N.R.S. § 28-1020. Animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or cruel mistreatment; report required by animal health care professional; immunity from liability.
(1) Any animal health care professional, while acting in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, who observes or is involved in an incident which leads the animal health care professional to reasonably suspect that an animal has been abandoned, cruelly neglected, or cruelly mistreated, shall report such treatment to an entity that investigates such reports in the appropriate jurisdiction.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to investigate observed or reasonably suspected abandonment, cruel neglect, or cruel mistreatment of an animal. Any person making a report under this section is immune from liability except for false statements of fact made with malicious intent.

(3) For purposes of this section, an animal health care professional means a licensed veterinarian as defined in section 38-3310 or a licensed veterinary technician as defined in section 38-3311.

N.R.S. § 28-1017. Animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or cruel mistreatment; report required by certain employees; violation; penalty.
(1) For purposes of this section:
(a) Reasonably suspects means a basis for reporting knowledge or a set of facts that would lead a person of ordinary care and prudence to believe and conscientiously entertain a strong suspicion that criminal activity is at hand or that a crime has been committed; and
(b) Employee means any employee of a governmental agency dealing with child or adult protective services, animal control, or animal abuse.
(2) Any employee, while acting in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, who observes or is involved in an incident which leads the employee to reasonably suspect that an animal has been abandoned, cruelly neglected, or cruelly mistreated shall report such to the entity or entities that investigate such reports in that jurisdiction.

(3) The report of an employee shall be made within two working days of acquiring the information concerning the animal by facsimile transmission of a written report presented in the form described in subsection (6) of this section or by telephone. When an immediate response is necessary to protect the health and safety of the animal or others, the report of an employee shall be made by telephone as soon as possible.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to investigate observed or reasonably suspected animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or cruel mistreatment. Any person making a report under this section is immune from liability except for false statements of fact made with malicious intent.

(5) A report made by an employee pursuant to this section shall include:
(a) The reporter’s name and title, business address, and telephone number;
(b) The name, if known, of the animal owner or custodian, whether a business or individual;
(c) A description of the animal or animals involved, person or persons involved, and location of the animal or animals and the premises; and
(d) The date, time, and a description of the observation or incident which led the reporter to reasonably suspect animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or cruel mistreatment and any other information the reporter believes may be relevant.

(6) A report made by an employee pursuant to this section may be made on preprinted forms prepared by the entity or entities that investigate reports of animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or cruel mistreatment in that jurisdiction. The form shall include space for the information required under subsection (5) of this section.

(7) When two or more employees jointly have observed or reasonably suspected animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or cruel mistreatment and there is agreement between or among them, a report may be made by one person by mutual agreement. Any such reporter who has knowledge that the person designated to report has failed to do so shall thereafter make the report.

(8) Any employee failing to report under this section shall be guilty of an infraction.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 32 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Veterinary technicians must report 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Nebraska child and adult protective services workers receive pre- and in-service training. It is unknown whether this training includes the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Nebraska animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

NEVADA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Nevada has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians
Any person

What are the reporting protocols?
NRS 574.053. Reporting acts of cruelty; penalty for releasing identity of person making report.
1. Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been subjected to an act of cruelty in violation of NRS 574.100 may report the act of cruelty to any:
(a) Peace officer;
(b) Officer of a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals who is authorized to make arrests pursuant to NRS 574.040; or
(c) Animal control officer.

2. Any person, law enforcement agency, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or animal control agency that willfully releases data or information concerning the identity of a person who made a report pursuant to subsection 1, except for the purposes of a criminal investigation or prosecution, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Nev. Admin. Code NAC 638.0475. Maintenance and availability of records; required contents of records; cessation of practice without providing for continuation of treatment.
10. The medical record of an animal is confidential and may not be released except:
(a) As otherwise provided in subsection 1;
(b) In response to a court order; or
(c) As required to ensure compliance with any federal, state and local statutes, regulations or ordinances.

11. Nothing in this section is intended to prevent the sharing of veterinary medical information among veterinarians, law enforcement officials, and members, agents or officers of a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals who are acting to protect the welfare of an animal.

NOTE: There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control/services, humane society/SPCA, or law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Nevada animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

NEW HAMPSHIRE REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
New Hampshire has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
N.H. Rev. Stat. § 436:8. State veterinarian: Powers.
The state veterinarian, under the direction of the commissioner, shall have all of the powers of the commissioner and shall have general charge of the enforcement of this chapter. Complaints under RSA 644:8, 644:8-a, 644:8-aa and any other law pertaining to the abuse of domestic animals, as defined under RSA 436:1, shall initially be filed with the local law enforcement agency, animal control officer, state police, or sheriff which has jurisdiction over where the animal is located or kept. At the request of the local law enforcement agency, animal control officer, state police, or sheriff, the state veterinarian shall assist in a secondary capacity in enforcing the provisions of and investigating said complaints.

N.H. Rev. Stat. § 644:8. Cruelty to Animals.
V. A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made for services rendered under the provisions of this section or RSA 435:11-16. Such a veterinarian is, therefore, under this paragraph, protected from a lawsuit for his part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

New Hampshire animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the New England Animal Control/Humane Academy, the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

NEW JERSEY REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
New Jersey has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

What are the reporting protocols?
There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All New Jersey cities, townships and boroughs are required to have a designated Humane Law Enforcement Officer responsible for investigating animal abuse.

Is Training Required?
Under New Jersey Statutes and Administrative Codes, Animal Control Officers are required to be State certified, and all New Jersey municipalities are now required to appoint an Animal Control Officer.

N.J.S.A. 4:22-11.11 Training course for animal protection law enforcement.
a. The Police Training Commission, in collaboration with the Attorney General, shall develop or approve a training course for animal protection law enforcement, which shall include but need not be limited to instruction in:
(1) the law, procedures, and enforcement methods and techniques of investigation, arrest, and search and seizure, specifically in connection with violations of State and local animal cruelty laws and ordinances;
(2) information and procedures related to animals, including animal behavior and traits and evaluation of animals at a crime scene;
(3) methods to identify and document animal abuse, neglect, and distress; and
(4) investigation of animal fighting.
b. Every municipal humane law enforcement officer, humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and chief humane law enforcement officer or other officer designated pursuant to subparagraph (a) of paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4) shall satisfactorily complete the animal protection law enforcement training course as soon as practicable, but no later than one year after the date of the officer’s designation.

N.J.A.C. 8:23A-2.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
“Animal Cruelty Investigator” means a person 18 years of age or older who is a Certified Animal Control Officer and has satisfactorily completed a course of study on animal cruelty investigation approved by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the Police Training Commission, in consultation with the New Jersey Animal Control Officers Association.

“Certified Animal Control Officer” means a person 18 years of age or older who has satisfactorily completed a course of study on the control of animals approved by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services or who has satisfactorily completed the National Animal Control Association Level I and Level II curriculum and has received a minimum passing score of 75 percent on a written examination of New Jersey animal and rabies control laws and rules.

“Certification” means the process whereby an individual who has successfully completed a New Jersey Animal Control Officer or Animal Cruelty Investigator course of study and/or the National Animal Control Association Level I and Level II curriculum and has received a minimum passing score of 75 percent on a written examination of New Jersey animal and rabies control laws and rules, shall be certified by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services as meeting the training standards as prescribed and is authorized to perform the functions and duties of an animal control officer.

N.J.A.C. § 8:23A-2.2 Animal Control Officer course of study.
(a) An Animal Control Officer course of study shall provide a minimum of 45 hours or the equivalent to three credit hours offered by an accredited New Jersey college or university which includes, at a minimum, the following subject areas:
1. New Jersey Statutes and Rules governing rabies and the control of domestic animals, wildlife control, wildlife protection, and enforcement;
2. Animal disease recognition and prevention;
3. First aid for injured animals;
4. Principles and procedures for the capture and handling of stray domestic animals and wildlife;
5. Cruelty documentation, evidence and courtroom procedures;
6. Shelter operations, adoption, and humane euthanasia procedures; and
7. A minimum of 20 hours of infield training under the direction of two Certified Animal Control Officers currently working in that capacity.

NEW MEXICO REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
New Mexico has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
N.M. Administrative Code NMAC 16.25.3. Veterinary Medicine Practitioners: Conduct.
(T). The reporting of cruelty or illegal action is not a violation of confidentiality.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 15 hours of continuing education each year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

New Mexico animal control officers, animal services officers, animal welfare officers, and law enforcement officers with animal welfare duties are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by Animal Protection New Mexico and out-of-state agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse. Animal Protection New Mexico offers scholarships to help officers take the National Animal Control Association Basic ACO 1 and Basic ACO 2 online training modules.

NEW YORK REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
N.Y. Education Code Chapter 16, Title 8, Art. 135. Treatment records. § 6714.
2. A veterinarian licensed pursuant to this article, may disclose records, as defined in this section, concerning a companion animal as defined in section 350 of the Agriculture and Markets Law which has received treatment by such veterinarian without the consent of the companion animal’s owner under the following circumstances:

(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 in violation of section 351, 353 or 353-a of the Agriculture and Markets Law, the veterinarian shall report the incident and disclose records concerning the companion animal’s condition and treatment to any officer or agent authorized pursuant to sections 371 and 373 of the agriculture and markets law to respond to and investigate complaints of animal cruelty. The identity of such veterinarian making a report pursuant to this paragraph shall only be made available to an officer or agent authorized pursuant to section 371 or 373 of the Agriculture and Markets Law.

(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 disclose such records to any officer or agent authorized pursuant to sections 371 and 373 of the Agriculture and Markets Law to respond to and investigate complaints of animal cruelty. The identity of such veterinarian making a disclosure of records pursuant to this paragraph shall only be made available to an officer or agent authorized pursuant to section 371 or 373 of the Agriculture and Markets Law.

(c) Any such veterinarian who reports an incident or discloses records concerning a companion animal’s condition and treatment pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this subdivision shall be entitled to receive and be provided with, at no cost to such veterinarian, written or electronic documentation of such report by the agent or officer to whom such report was made. Such report shall include but not be limited to the date such report was made, the identity of the individual against whom such report was made, the species and description of the animal about which such report was made, the nature of the injuries to the animal and the name and license number of the veterinarian who made such report.

3. A veterinarian acts in good faith within the meaning of this section when he or she reasonably believes that his or her actions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of the companion animal or the public.

4. A veterinarian who reasonably and in good faith reports or discloses records in accordance with this section shall be immune from liability in the form of damages in any civil or criminal proceeding on account of such reporting or disclosure.

NOTE: There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control/services, humane society/SPCA, or law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
Sections 6704-a and Section 6711-b of the NYS Education Law, respectively, require veterinarians to complete 45 hours and veterinary technicians to complete 24 hours, of acceptable continuing education every three years. Section 62.8 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education further specifies the continuing education requirements for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

New York dog control officers and animal control officers are not mandated to receive training. Humane law enforcement cruelty investigators are certified NYS Peace Officers as set forth under the NYS Criminal Procedure Law authorizing them to investigate and make arrests to bring felony and misdemeanor criminal charges against members of the public who commit cruelty to animals violations primarily under the Agriculture and Markets Law. These officers are empowered to enforce all the laws of New York State and specifically those relating to animal cruelty. They are trained in accordance with the requirements as set forth by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Voluntary Animal Control Officer training and certification programs are offered by many state animal control associations and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

NORTH CAROLINA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
North Carolina has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
N.C. GEN. STAT. § 14-360.1. Immunity for veterinarian reporting animal cruelty.
Any veterinarian licensed in this State who has reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been the subject of animal cruelty in violation of G.S. 14-360 and who makes a report of animal cruelty, or who participates in any investigation or testifies in any judicial proceeding that arises from a report of animal cruelty, shall be immune from civil liability, criminal liability, and liability from professional disciplinary action and shall not be in breach of any veterinarian patient confidentiality, unless the veterinarian acted in bad faith or with a malicious purpose. It shall be a rebuttable presumption that the veterinarian acted in good faith. A failure by a veterinarian to make a report of animal cruelty shall not constitute grounds for disciplinary action under G.S. 90-187.8.

N.C. GEN. STAT. § 114-8.7. Reports of animal cruelty and animal welfare violations.
(a) The Attorney General shall establish a hotline to receive reports of allegations of animal cruelty or violations of the Animal Welfare Act, Article 3 of Chapter 19A of the General Statutes, against animals under private ownership, by means including telephone, electronic mail, and Internet Web site. The Attorney General shall periodically publicize the hotline telephone number, electronic mail address, Internet Web site address, and any other means by which the Attorney General may receive reports of allegations of animal cruelty or violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Any individual who makes a report under this section shall disclose his or her name and telephone number and any other information the Attorney General may require.

(b) When the Attorney General receives allegations involving activity that the Attorney General determines may involve cruelty to animals under private ownership in violation of Article 47 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, the allegations shall be referred to the appropriate local animal control authority for the unit or units of local government within which the violations are alleged to have occurred. When the Attorney General receives allegations involving activity that the Attorney General determines may involve violations of the Animal Welfare Act, the allegations shall be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Attorney General shall record the total number of reports received on the hotline and the number of reports received against any individual on the hotline.

NOTE: Allegations of animal cruelty can be reported to the N.C. Attorney General’s Animal Welfare Hotline at 1-855-290-6915

Is Training Required?
North Carolina veterinarians must earn 20 continuing education credit hours for the calendar year license renewal period. Veterinary technicians must earn 12 continuing education credit hours for the two calendar year registration renewal period. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

N.C. GEN. STAT. § 19A-49. Educational requirements.
Each animal cruelty investigator at his own expense must attend annually a course of at least six hours instruction offered by the North Carolina Humane Federation or some other agency. The course shall be designed to give the investigator expertise in the investigation of complaints relating to the care and treatment of animals. Failure to attend a course approved by the board of county commissioners shall be cause for removal from office.

NORTH DAKOTA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
NDCC § 36-21.2-10. Veterinarian.
If upon examining an animal a licensed veterinarian determines that there is reasonable cause to believe an animal has been neglected, abused, treated cruelly, or subjected to any act or omission in violation of this chapter, the veterinarian may retain custody of the animal and shall immediately notify law enforcement officials regarding the determination.

Note: There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. All reports are received by local animal control/services, humane society, or law enforcement agencies. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
North Dakota veterinarians, except as otherwise provided, are required to receive 24 hours of veterinary continuing education, approved by the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, in the 24 months preceding each even-year renewal date. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

North Dakota animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

OHIO REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians
Social service professionals: Employee or agents of a public children services agency or a county department of job and family services with responsibility for protective services
Licensed professional counselors
Social workers
Marriage and family therapists
Art therapists
Music therapists
County dog wardens (dogs only)
County humane agents

What are the reporting protocols?
O.R.C. § 959.07. Reporting of violation involving a companion animal by licensed professionals.
(B)(1) No person listed in division (B)(2) of this section shall fail to immediately report a violation involving a companion animal to an officer who is not a dog warden or deputy dog warden when that person has knowledge or reasonable cause to suspect that such a violation has occurred or is occurring.

(B)(2) Division (B)(1) of this section applies to all of the following operating in an official or professional capacity:
(a) A licensed veterinarian;
(b) A social service professional;
(c) A person licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

O.R.C. § 959.09. Manner of reporting violation; immunity; false reports.
(A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(2) of this section, a person required to make a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code may do so orally or in writing and shall include all of the following in the report:
(a) If known, the name and description of the companion animal involved;
(b) The address and telephone number of the owner or other person responsible for care of the companion animal, if known;
(c) The nature and extent of the suspected abuse;
(d) Any other information that the person making the report believes may be useful in establishing the existence of the suspected violation involving a companion animal or the identity of the person causing the violation involving a companion animal.

(A)(2) An officer, dog warden, or deputy dog warden required to make a report under section 959.08 of the Revised Code may exclude any information from the report that is confidential or that the officer, dog warden, or deputy dog warden reasonably believes could jeopardize a pending criminal investigation.

(B) A person required to make a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code is immune from civil or criminal liability in connection with making that report if the person acted in good faith when making the report.

(C) No person required to make a report under section 959.07 or 959.08 of the Revised Code shall knowingly make a false report.

O.R.C. § 955.12. Dog wardens.
If a dog warden has reason to believe that a dog is being treated inhumanely on the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer, the warden shall apply to the court of common pleas for the county in which the premises are located for an order to enter the premises, and if necessary, seize the dog. If the court finds probable cause to believe that the dog is being treated inhumanely, it shall issue such an order.

O.R.C. § 1717.06. Agents of county humane society.
A county humane society organized under section 1717.05 of the Revised Code may appoint humane society agents for the purpose of prosecuting any person guilty of an act of cruelty to animals. Such agents may arrest any person found violating this chapter or any other law for protecting animals or preventing acts of cruelty thereto. Upon making an arrest, the humane society agent shall convey the person arrested before a court or magistrate having jurisdiction of the offense, and there make complaint against the person on oath or affirmation of the offense.

NOTE: There is no centralized agency that receives reports of animal cruelty. Consult the National Link Coalition’s National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 30 hours of continuing education per renewal. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Social workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. 3 of the 30 hours must cover Ethics, which includes Mandatory Reporting.

Licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, art therapists, and music therapists must complete at least 30 hours of continuing professional education during each license renewal period. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

O.R.C. § 1717.06 requires humane society Humane Agents to successfully complete a minimum of 20 hours of training on issues relating to animal husbandry and the investigation and prosecution of cruelty to and neglect of animals, as approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.

County dog wardens must complete NACA Level I and Level II Animal Control Officer courses. (The National Animal Care & Control Association ACO I Training and Certification course includes “Protecting Public Safety: Understanding The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence.”)

Ohio dog warden, deputy dog warden, and humane society humane agent training and certification programs are offered by the Ohio County Dog Wardens Association, the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation, and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

OKLAHOMA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
21 O.S.A. § 1680.3. Duty of veterinarians to report animal abuse.
A. A veterinarian shall report suspected cases of animal abuse to a local law enforcement agency in the county where the veterinarian is practicing within 24 hours of any examination or treatment administered to any animal which the veterinarian reasonably suspects and believes has been abused. The report shall contain the breed and description of the animal together with the name and address of the owner.

B. A veterinarian who files a report as provided in this section shall be immune from civil liability with respect to any report made in good faith.

Okla. Administrative Code § 775:10-5-30: Licensure of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal euthanasia technicians: Unprofessional Conduct.
The following acts and/or omissions shall be considered unprofessional conduct and shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the Board. They shall include, but not be limited to:
(8) failing to report to the proper authorities cruel or inhumane treatment to animals by any person, when the veterinarian has knowledge of the cruel or inhumane treatment;

Oklahoma animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Oklahoma Animal Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

OREGON REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians (aggravated animal abuse)
Veterinary technicians (aggravated animal abuse)
Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians (animal abuse)
Veterinary technicians (animal abuse)
Child protective services workers
Adult protective services workers

What are the reporting protocols?
ORS § 686.442 Legislative findings.
The Legislative Assembly finds that there is a direct link between the problems of animal abuse and human abuse and further finds that for the purposes of identifying and prosecuting individuals who have committed crimes against animals, preventing further abuse of animals and preventing animal abuse from escalating to abuse against humans, it is necessary and in the public interest to require mandatory reporting of aggravated animal abuse by veterinarians.

ORS § 686.455. Duty to report aggravated animal abuse.
(1) A veterinarian who has reasonable cause to believe that an animal with which the veterinarian has come in contact has suffered aggravated animal abuse, or that any person with whom the veterinarian has come in contact has committed aggravated animal abuse, shall immediately report the suspected aggravated animal abuse in the manner prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) A report of suspected aggravated animal abuse required under subsection (1) of this section shall be made to a law enforcement agency, either orally or in writing, and shall include, if known:
(a) The name and description of each animal involved;
(b) The address and telephone number of the owner or other person responsible for the care of the animal;
(c) The nature and extent of the suspected aggravated animal abuse;
(d) Any evidence of previous aggravated animal abuse;
(e) Any explanation given for the suspected aggravated animal abuse; and
(f) Any other information that the person making the report believes may be helpful in establishing the cause of the suspected aggravated animal abuse or the identity of the person causing the aggravated animal abuse.

ORS § 686.465. Duty to report aggravated animal abuse.
A veterinarian who acts in good faith and has reasonable grounds for making a report of suspected aggravated animal abuse under ORS 686.455 (Duty to report aggravated animal abuse) is not liable in any civil or criminal proceeding brought as a result of making the report.

ORS § 686.990. Penalties.
(3) Failure to file a report of suspected aggravated animal abuse as required by ORS 686.455 is a Class A violation.

ORS § 686.445. Reporting of abandoned, neglected or abused animals.
(1) Except as provided in ORS 686.455 (Duty to report aggravated animal abuse), licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians may report to peace officers, animal control officers or officers of private organizations devoted to humane treatment of animals any animal that the veterinarian or veterinary technician knows or reasonably believes to be abandoned, neglected or abused. Any veterinarian or veterinary technician making a report under this section is immune from any civil or criminal liability by reason of making the report.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must report 30 hours of CE to the Board with license renewals for every odd-numbered year. Certified veterinary technicians must report 15 hours of CE to the Board for every even-numbered year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Child and adult protective services workers complete training programs that covers all aspects of child or elder abuse. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Oregon animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Oregon Animal Control Council and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

PENNSYLVANIA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Pennsylvania has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians
Veterinary assistants

What are the reporting protocols?
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5556. Civil immunity for licensed doctors of veterinary medicine, technicians and assistants.
(a) General rule.–A licensed doctor of veterinary medicine, certified veterinary technician or veterinary assistant who reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected violation of this subchapter to the proper authority shall not be liable for civil damages as a result of reporting the incident.

(b) Nonapplicability.–Subsection (a) shall not apply to an act or omission intentionally designed to harm or to an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful, wanton or reckless conduct.

49 Penna. Code 31.21. Rules of professional conduct for veterinarians.
Principle 1. Competency.
(e)(2) A veterinarian shall bring the behavior of another veterinarian to the attention of the Board by sending a written report to the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Professional Compliance Office, P. O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 if one or more of the following applies:
(iii) The matter involves animal abuse or neglect.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must complete 30 clock hours of continuing education courses approved by the Board of Veterinary Medicine during the 24 months preceding the renewal date. Veterinary technicians must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

In order to be appointed, Pennsylvania Humane Society Police officers must complete a minimum of 80 hours of instruction. Thereafter, they must complete 16 hours of continuing education instruction every two years. Certified Humane Society Police Officer training is offered by the Pennsylvania Academy for Animal Care and Control. Instruction covers:
(i) Pennsylvania cruelty to animal laws.
(ii) Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(iii) Proper procedure for filing citations and warrants, including how and when to contact Federal, State or local law enforcement.
(iv) Proper execution of search warrants.
(v) Proper search and seizure practices.
(vi) Any other areas relating to law enforcement duties.
(vii) Animal husbandry practices constituting normal agricultural operation.
(viii) Practices accepted in the agricultural industry in the raising, keeping and production of agricultural animals.
(ix) Characteristics of agricultural animals likely evidencing care that is in violation of the cruelty to animal laws.
(x) Proper care, treatment and handling of agricultural and other animals pursuant to enforcement of the cruelty to animals laws.
(xi) Treatments administered and research conducted during the normal scope of veterinarian practices.
(xii) Agricultural biosecurity protocols.
(xiii) General farm orientation, safety and security practices, including instruction in measures for discovery of conditions and implementation of precautionary actions to prevent harm or damage to persons, animals or property.

PUERTO RICO REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Puerto Rico has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

What are the reporting protocols?
None. However, L.P.R.A. § 1661 declares that municipalities shall assign top priority to cases involving abuse and negligence of stray animals and coordinate regional efforts to identify, prevent and treat persons involved in violence against animals.

Is Training Required?
Puerto Rico animal control officers are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

RHODE ISLAND REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians
Animal shelter workers
Animal kennel workers
Any other person entrusted with the care or custody of an animal

What are the reporting protocols?
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-26.1. Reports of abandoned, neglected or abused animals.
(a) Any Rhode Island licensed veterinarian, veterinarian technician, animal shelter, animal kennel, or other person entrusted with the care or custody of an animal shall report to any police department (local or state), animal control officials, or officers of private organizations devoted to the humane treatment of animals, the condition of any animal that the parties entrusted with care or custody of an animal knows, or reasonably believes, to be abandoned, as defined in § 4-1-26, neglected, or abused, and shall be immune from suit pursuant to the provisions of § 4-1-37. Any party who fails to report pursuant to this section shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500).

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to further investigate observed or reasonably suspected animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or abuse.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-37. Immunity from suit.
Any person entrusted with the care and custody of an animal, including, but not limited to, any Rhode Island licensed veterinarian, veterinarian technician, animal shelter, or animal kennel, shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability arising out of any reports, either oral or written, made to local or state police, animal control officials, or officers of private organizations devoted to humane treatment of animals, concerning any animal that the veterinarian knows, or reasonably believed, to be abandoned, neglected, or abused, and shall be immune from suit by reason of making the report. Provided, however, that a veterinarian who participates or reports in bad faith or with malice shall not be protected under the provisions of this chapter.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must complete at least 24 hours of continuing veterinary medical education courses every two years. Veterinary technicians must receive 12 hours of CE credits per year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-22. Animal control officers.
(a) Effective January 1, 2019, no municipality shall employ any animal control officer who has not received certification to be an animal control officer from the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) or other equivalent organization as determined by the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. All new hires will have a period of twelve (12) months from date of hire to receive certification. All existing personnel employed as animal control officers shall obtain their certification by January 1, 2019.

(b) The training and certification program required by subsection (a) of this section shall incorporate instruction that shall meet NACA guidelines for certification*, including, but not limited to, the following criteria:
(1) Laws and regulations affecting animal control, animal welfare, and animal cruelty;
(2) Domestic and wild animal behavior;
(3) Handling and treatment of deceased or stray animals; and
(4) Emergency procedures and conflict resolution skills.

SOUTH CAROLINA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
South Carolina has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

What are the reporting protocols?
South Carolina currently has no reporting protocols in place for animal cruelty.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians are required to have 30 hours of continuing veterinary medical education training for license renewal. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

South Carolina animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the South Carolina Animal Care and Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

SOUTH DAKOTA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
South Dakota has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

What are the reporting protocols?
South Dakota currently has no reporting protocols in place for animal cruelty.

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must complete 16 hours of continuing education annually in subjects related to the practice of veterinary medicine. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

South Dakota animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

TENNESSEE REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Child protective services
Adult protective services

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-402. Duty to report cruelty, abuse or neglect — No duty to investigate — Confidentiality.
(a) Any state, county or municipal employee of a child or adult protective services agency, while acting in a professional capacity or within the scope of employment, who has knowledge of or observes an animal that the person knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of cruelty, abuse, or neglect, shall report the known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect to the entity or entities that investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect in that county.

(b) The report required under subsection (a) may be made within two (2) working days of receiving the information concerning the animal, by facsimile transmission of a written report presented in the form described in § 38-1-403, or by telephone, if all of the information that is required to be provided pursuant to § 38-1-403 is furnished. In cases where an immediate response may be necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the animal or others, the report may be made by telephone as soon as possible.

(c) Unless a duty exists under current law, nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a duty to investigate known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect.

(d) Nothing in this part shall expand or limit confidentiality requirements under existing law relative to child or adult protective services. The name of any employee of a child or adult protective services agency who reports known or reasonably suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect shall remain confidential.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12 (Part 1). Tennessee Veterinary Practice Act.
(a) Notwithstanding § 63-12-124 or another provision of law to the contrary, a licensed veterinarian, while acting in a professional capacity and in a current veterinarian-client-patient relationship, having reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been subjected to animal cruelty in violation of § 39-14-202, § 39-14-214, or § 39-14-217, may make or cause to be made a report of such violation to the commissioner of agriculture or the commissioner’s designee, an animal control officer, a law enforcement agency, or a district attorney and may appear and testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding concerning the care of the animal.

(b) A licensed veterinarian or person participating in the making of a report pursuant to subsection (a) is not in breach of veterinarian-client-patient confidentiality by making the report or participating in a judicial or administrative proceeding pursuant to subsection (a) and is immune from any civil or criminal liability or disciplinary action by the board, as long as such participation pursuant to subsection (a) is made in good faith.

Is Training Required?
Each veterinarian is required to obtain 20 hours of continuing education each calendar year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Child and adult protective services workers receive pre-hiring and in-service training. It is unknown whether these trainings cover the mandatory reporting of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Tennessee animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Animal Care & Control Association of Tennessee and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

TEXAS REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Texas has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
TEX. OCC. CODE ANN. § 801.3585 (2007). Liability For Reporting Animal Cruelty; Immunity.
A veterinarian who in good faith and in the normal course of business reports to the appropriate governmental entity a suspected incident of animal cruelty under Section 42.09 (Cruelty to Livestock Animals) or 42.092 (Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals), Penal Code, is immune from liability in a civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the incident.

Is Training Required?
Seventeen hours of acceptable continuing education is required annually for renewal of all types of Texas veterinary licenses. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 829.002. TRAINING REQUIRED.
A person may not perform the duties of an animal control officer unless:
(1) the person:
(A) completes a basic animal control course under this chapter not later than the first anniversary of the date the person assumes animal control duties; or
(B) completed a personnel training course on or before June 30, 2008, under Section 823.004 as it existed on that date; and
(2) the person completes 30 hours of continuing education under this chapter during each three-year period following:
(A) the date the person completes the basic animal control course; or
(B) June 30, 2008, if the person completed a personnel training course under Subdivision (1)(B).

Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 829.003. TRAINING COURSES.
(a) The department shall prescribe the standards and curriculum for basic and continuing education animal control courses. The curriculum for both the basic and continuing education courses must include the following topics:
(1) state laws governing animal control and protection and animal cruelty;
(2) animal health and disease recognition, control, and prevention;
(3) the humane care and treatment of animals;
(4) standards for care and control of animals in an animal shelter;
(5) standards and procedures for the transportation of animals;
(6) principles and procedures for capturing and handling stray domestic animals and wildlife, including principles and procedures to be followed with respect to an instrument used specifically for deterring the bite of an animal;
(7) first aid for injured animals;
(8) the documentation of animal cruelty evidence and courtroom procedures;
(9) animal shelter operations and administration;
(10) spaying and neutering, microchipping, and adoption;
(11) communications and public relations;
(12) state and federal laws for possession of controlled substances and other medications; and
(13) any other topics pertinent to animal control and animal shelter personnel.
(c) A basic animal control course must be at least 12 hours.

UTAH REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Utah has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
UT Code § 58-28-602 (2023). Veterinary Practice Act. Standards of Practice. Cruelty to animals — immunity for reporting.
A licensed veterinarian who in good faith and in the normal course of business, reports a suspected case of animal cruelty to law enforcement or the proper authorities is immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against the veterinarian for reporting the suspected cruelty.

UT Code § 76-9-301.9 (2024). Animal care facilities – Definitions – Penalty.
(7). A veterinarian who, acting in good faith, reports a violation of this section to law enforcement or the Department of Agriculture and Food in accordance with Section 4-2-903 may not be held civilly liable for making the report.

Is Training Required?
Utah veterinarians must complete 24 hours of qualified professional education annually. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Utah animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

VERMONT REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Vermont has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
26 V.S.A. § 2404. Immunity from liability; cases of animal cruelty.
(a) There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages shall arise against, a veterinarian licensed to practice in this State who, in good faith and in the normal course of practice, reports suspected cases of cruelty to animals, as defined in 13 V.S.A. §§ 352 and 352a, to any humane officer or officer as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 351(4) or local board of health officer or agent.

(b) There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages against, a veterinarian licensed to practice in this State who accompanies a humane officer during the execution of a warrant pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 354, or evaluates the health of and provides medical attention to, including a decision for euthanasia, an animal brought to that veterinarian for health assessment or necessary medical care, pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 354.

(c) There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages against, a veterinarian licensed to practice in this State who inspects premises or orders a quarantine pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 3682 or 3683.

Is Training Required?
Vermont veterinarians must complete 24 hours of qualified professional education every two years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Vermont animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the New England Animal Control/Humane Academy, the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

VIRGIN ISLANDS REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
14 V.I. Code Ann. § 187(c). Seizure.
It is the duty of any veterinarian licensed in the Virgin Islands to report to the Police Department, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, any peace officer or other appropriate enforcement agency, any animal found, reasonably known or believed to be abandoned, neglected or abused as defined in this chapter, and such veterinarian is not subject to any civil or criminal liability for such reporting or for participating in an investigation of animal abuse or neglect, if done in good faith.

27 V.I. Code Ann. § 189d. The practice of veterinary medicine in the Virgin Islands. Reporting of animal cruelty.
a) Every person licensed under this chapter shall report to the Commissioner, the Board, and the Virgin Islands Police Department suspected animal cruelty, including cases of an animal exhibiting injuries consistent with dog fighting or injuries due to the administration of improper dosages of any drug or medicine.

(b) A person licensed under this chapter who makes a report of suspected animal cruelty or who provides records or information related to a report of suspected cruelty or testifies in any judicial proceeding arising from such report, records, or information is immune from any civil or criminal liability or administrative penalty or sanction on account of the report, records, information, or testimony, unless such person acted in bad faith or with a malicious purpose.

Is Training Required?
Virgin Islands animal wardens are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

VIRGINIA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians
Veterinary technicians

What are the reporting protocols?
Virginia Administrative Code 18 VAC150-20-140. Unprofessional conduct.
Unprofessional conduct as referenced in subdivision 5 of § 54.1-3807 of the Code of Virginia shall include the following:
4. Revealing confidences gained in the course of providing veterinary services to a client, unless required by law or necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of other persons or animals.

14. Failing to report suspected animal cruelty to the appropriate authorities.

Code of Virginia § 54.1-3812.1. Reporting of animal cruelty.
Any person regulated by the Board who makes a report of suspected animal cruelty or who provides records or information related to a report of suspected cruelty or testifies in any judicial proceeding arising from such report, records, or information shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability or administrative penalty or sanction on account of such report, records, information, or testimony, unless such person acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.

Code of Virginia § 3.2-6507. Injured or sick animal; action by veterinarian.
B. In no event shall a licensed veterinarian who has acted in good faith and properly exercised professional judgment regarding an animal be subject to liability for his actions in:
(ii) reporting cases of suspected cruelty to animals.

Is Training Required?
Virginia veterinarians must complete 15 hours of continuing veterinary medical education for license renewal. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Virginia has the most comprehensive training requirements in the U.S. for Animal Control Officers. Basic training for animal control officers consists of a minimum of 120 hours (3 weeks) of instruction authorized by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Training includes 108 hours of specified curricula plus 12 hours for other instruction. The curriculum includes: Animal Sciences; Animal-Related Law; Animal Care and Cruelty Investigations; Basic Law Enforcement; and 2 hours on Recognition of Child Abuse and Domestic Family Trauma.

Code of Virginia § 3.2-6556. Training of animal control officers.
A. Every locality employing animal control officers shall require that every animal control officer and deputy animal control officer completes the following training:
1. A basic animal control course that has been approved by the State Veterinarian. The basic animal control course shall include training in recognizing suspected child abuse and neglect and information on how complaints may be filed and shall be approved and implemented. Any animal control officer hired on or after July 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2017, shall complete the basic animal control course within two years from the date of hire. Any animal control officer hired on or after July 1, 2017, shall complete the basic animal control course within one year from the date of hire or within two years if the officer is attending a law-enforcement academy; and

2. Every three years, additional training approved by the State Veterinarian, 15 hours of which shall be training in animal control and protection. The State Veterinarian shall develop criteria to be used in approving training courses and shall provide an opportunity for public comment on proposed criteria before the final criteria are adopted. Subdivision 1 shall not apply to animal control officers or deputy animal control officers hired before July 1, 1998. The State Veterinarian may grant exemptions from the requirements of subdivision 1 to animal control officers hired on or after July 1, 1998, based on the animal control officer’s previous training. The State Veterinarian shall work to ensure the availability of these training courses through regional criminal justice training academies or other entities as approved by him. Based on information provided by authorized training entities, the State Veterinarian shall maintain the training records for all animal control officers for the purpose of documenting and ensuring that they are in compliance with this subsection.

B. Upon cause shown by a locality, the State Veterinarian may grant additional time during which the training required by subsection A may be completed by an animal control officer for the locality.

C. Any animal control officer that fails to complete the training required by subsection A shall be removed from office, unless the State Veterinarian has granted additional time as provided in subsection B.

WASHINGTON REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Washington has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Who is Permitted to Report?
Veterinarians

What are the reporting protocols?
RCW 16.52.330. Veterinarians – Animal cruelty – Liability immunity.
A veterinarian lawfully licensed in this state to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry who reports, in good faith and in the normal course of business, a suspected incident of animal cruelty that is punishable under this chapter to the proper authorities is immune from liability in any civil or criminal action brought against such veterinarian for reporting the suspected incident. The immunity provided in this section applies only if the veterinarian receives no financial benefit from the suspected incident of animal cruelty beyond charges for services rendered prior to the veterinarian making the initial report.

Is Training Required?
Washington veterinarians must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.

Washington animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by the Washington Animal Control Association and outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

WEST VIRGINIA REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians
Child protective service workers
Adult protective services workers
Deputy sheriffs
Law enforcement officers (responding to an incident of domestic violence)

Who is Permitted to Report?
Any other persons

What are the reporting protocols?
WV Code § 7-10-4a. Reporting of animals abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated; enforcement.
(a) It is the duty of any licensed veterinarian and the right of any other person to report to a humane officer any animal found, reasonably known or believed to be abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated as set forth in this article, and such veterinarian or other person may not be subject to any civil or criminal liability as a result of such reporting.

WV Code § 49-2-806. Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by child protective service workers.
In the event a child protective service worker, in response to a report mandated by section 802 and 803 of this article, forms a reasonable suspicion that an animal is the victim of cruel or inhumane treatment, he or she shall report the suspicion and the basis therefor to the county humane officer provided under section 1, article 10, chapter 7 of this code within 24 hours of the response to the report.

WV Code § 9-6-9a. Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by adult protective service workers.
In the event an adult protective service worker, in response to a report mandated by section 9 of this article, forms a reasonable suspicion that an animal is the victim of cruel or inhumane treatment, he or she shall report the suspicion and the basis therefor to the county humane officer provided under section 1, article 10, chapter7 of this code within 24 hours of the response to the report.

WV Code § 7-10-1. Deputy sheriffs as humane officers.
The sheriff of each county of this state shall annually designate, by a record made in the office of the clerk of the county commission, one of his or her deputies to act as humane officer of the county; or, if the county commission and sheriff agree, the county dog warden may be designated to act as the humane officer or as an additional humane officer; any person designated to act as a humane officer and all peace officers designated by law as a humane officer or an additional humane officer shall investigate all complaints made to him or her of cruel or inhumane treatment of animals within the county and he or she shall personally see that the law relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals is enforced. The willful failure of such designee to investigate any complaint made to him or her and to take proper measures in such case or to perform his or her duty in any other respect may constitute good cause for removal from employment.

WV Code § 7-10-2. Duty of humane officers; reporting requirement when abuse or neglect of individuals suspected; prohibition against interference with humane officers; penalties.
(a) Humane officers shall prevent the perpetration or continuance of any act of cruelty upon any animal and investigate and, upon probable cause, cause the arrest and assist in the prosecution of any person engaging in such cruel and forbidden practices. Upon reasonable cause, and, as provided by law, such officers have the right to access and inspect records and property reasonably necessary to any investigation.

(b) Whenever a humane officer, pursuant to an investigation of animal cruelty, forms a reasonable suspicion that a minor child, or incapacitated or elderly person, is the victim of abuse or neglect or has a suspicion of domestic violence, he or she shall report the suspicion and the grounds for the suspicion. In the event of suspected child abuse or neglect, the humane officer shall report to the local child protective services agency of the Department of Human Services in accordance with the provisions of §49-2-809 of this code. In the event of suspected abuse or neglect of an incapacitated or elderly person, he or she shall report to the department’s local adult protective services agency in accordance with the provisions of §9-6-11 of this code. In the event of suspected domestic violence, he or she shall report to the State Police in accordance with the provisions of §48-27-101 et seq. of this code.

WV Code § 48-27-702. Law-enforcement officers to provide information, transportation and to report suspicions of animal cruelty.
(c) Whenever a law-enforcement officer, pursuant to a response to an alleged incident of domestic violence, forms a reasonable suspicion that an animal is a victim of cruel or inhumane treatment, he or she shall report the suspicion and the grounds therefor to the county humane officer within twenty-four hours of the response to the alleged incident of domestic violence.

Is Training Required?
West Virginia veterinarians must complete 18 hours of continuing education every year. There is no mandate that this training include the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

West Virginia child and adult protective services workers receive pre- and in-service training. It is unknown whether this training includes the recognition and reporting of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

West Virginia animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Some of these programs may include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.

WISCONSIN REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Veterinarians (animal fighting)

What are the reporting protocols?
W.S.A. § 173.12 Animal fighting.
Any veterinarian who has reason to believe that an animal has been in a fight in violation of s. 951.08 shall report the matter to the local humane officer or to a local law enforcement agency. The report shall be in writing and shall include a description and the location of the animal, any injuries suffered by the animal and the name and address of the owner or person in charge of the animal, if known

Is Training Required?
Veterinarians must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection requires a 40-hour course for anyone appointed to serve as a humane officer in Wisconsin. Humane officers must complete the training within one year of being appointed. Individuals passing the course are eligible for certification. The course is also open to anyone who is interested. Law enforcement officers may apply the training to their 24-hour recertification training requirement.

WYOMING REQUIREMENTS

Who is Required to Report?
Wyoming has no animal cruelty mandatory reporting laws at this time.

Wyoming animal control officers and cruelty investigators are not mandated to receive training. However, voluntary training and Animal Control Officer certification programs are offered by outside agencies, including: the National Animal Care and Control Association; Animal Control and Care Academy; Code 3 Associates; the American Animal Cruelty Investigations School; Justice Clearinghouse; and the Law Enforcement Training Institute’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. In addition to training regarding animal cruelty investigations, some of these programs may also include courses covering the recognition and reporting of child, domestic and/or elder abuse.