Minnesota veterinarians are mandatory 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 humane state 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: vet.med@state.mn.us
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.
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: vet.med@state.mn.us
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.
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