§ 32-2239 — 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 forty-eight 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 forty-eight 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.