MINNESOTA VETERINARIANS ARE MANDATED REPORTERS
Minnesota veterinarians are mandated reporters of cases or suspected cases of animal abuse, cruelty or neglect and must report the cases to a Minnesota peace officer or a MFHS state humane agent. By reporting suspicions to law enforcement, the veterinarian has the ability to stop potential violence and suffering and protect both animals and humans.
The Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine has made the following suggestions to encourage veterinarians to report animal cruelty or to inform the Board if a veterinarian does not report it:
Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine
2829 University Ave. SE, Suite 401
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Telephone: 651-201-2844
Board Office Email: [email protected]
Click here for more information from the MN Board of Animal Health.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Minnesota
Veterinarian
Mandatory Duty
A veterinarian must report known or suspected cases of abuse, cruelty, or neglect to peace officers and humane agents.
M.S.A. 346.37
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.
M.S.A. § 343.215
Failing to report to law enforcement or (humane officers/MFHS appointed state humane agents) inhumane treatment to animals, including staged animal fights or training for fights, of which the veterinarian has direct knowledge can result in disciplinary actions.
MN ADC 9100.0700
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reporting Animal Cruelty: The Role of the Veterinarian Manual
The goal of The Role of the Veterinarian Manual is to provide explanations of law and supporting materials for veterinarians to develop protocols for their clinic or practice which can guide their actions when faced with a suspected or known case of animal neglect, cruelty, or abuse. The manual also provides information for assisting law enforcement in investigating animal cruelty cases. This manual is slanted more to smaller companion animals, though many of the principles and procedures described are applicable to horses, farmed animals, exotic animals, and wildlife. The term “animal maltreatment” is used throughout this manual and is meant to encompass any type of cruelty, neglect, torture, abuse, or other crime against an animal.
Additional information for mandated reporters:
Mandated reporter resources / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)
Resource Guide for Mandated Reporters (mawb-mn.org)
There are 87 counties in Minnesota 12. The state is divided into 10 judicial districts with boundaries set by statute 3.
Minnesota veterinarians are mandated reporters of cases or suspected cases of animal abuse, cruelty or neglect and must report the cases to a Minnesota peace officer or a MFHS state humane agent. By reporting suspicions to law enforcement, the veterinarian has the ability to stop potential violence and suffering and protect both animals and humans.
The Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine has made the following suggestions to encourage veterinarians to report animal cruelty or to inform the Board if a veterinarian does not report it:
- Veterinarians can face disciplinary actions, including license revocation, for not reporting cases or suspected cases of animal abuse.
- Note that the Rule says “law enforcement” so a veterinarian would meet the requirement by reporting to any type of law enforcement be it local, county or state or to Minnesota Federated Humane Societies.
- The Minnesota whistle-blower statute as well that grants immunity for veterinarians who report suspected cases of animal abuse in good faith.
- What constitutes “cruelty” or “inhumane” treatment of animals in Minnesota? See Minnesota Statutes: 343.21
- Click HERE to file a complaint with the MN Animal Board of Veterinary Medicine.
- The Veterinarian’s Oath.
Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine
2829 University Ave. SE, Suite 401
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Telephone: 651-201-2844
Board Office Email: [email protected]
Click here for more information from the MN Board of Animal Health.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Minnesota
Veterinarian
Mandatory Duty
A veterinarian must report known or suspected cases of abuse, cruelty, or neglect to peace officers and humane agents.
M.S.A. 346.37
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.
M.S.A. § 343.215
Failing to report to law enforcement or (humane officers/MFHS appointed state humane agents) inhumane treatment to animals, including staged animal fights or training for fights, of which the veterinarian has direct knowledge can result in disciplinary actions.
MN ADC 9100.0700
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reporting Animal Cruelty: The Role of the Veterinarian Manual
The goal of The Role of the Veterinarian Manual is to provide explanations of law and supporting materials for veterinarians to develop protocols for their clinic or practice which can guide their actions when faced with a suspected or known case of animal neglect, cruelty, or abuse. The manual also provides information for assisting law enforcement in investigating animal cruelty cases. This manual is slanted more to smaller companion animals, though many of the principles and procedures described are applicable to horses, farmed animals, exotic animals, and wildlife. The term “animal maltreatment” is used throughout this manual and is meant to encompass any type of cruelty, neglect, torture, abuse, or other crime against an animal.
Additional information for mandated reporters:
Mandated reporter resources / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov)
Resource Guide for Mandated Reporters (mawb-mn.org)
There are 87 counties in Minnesota 12. The state is divided into 10 judicial districts with boundaries set by statute 3.
|
|
© Minnesota Federated Humane Societies. All rights reserved.