§ 4-15-15. Veterinarian's emergency treatment of animals — Immunity from liability.
(a) Any licensed veterinarian of this state has the right to treat any animal which has
become injured upon any public highway of this state or upon any public or private
property of this state which is transported to that veterinarian by any person.
(b) If in the veterinarian's opinion the injuries sustained by the animal will result
in death, the veterinarian has the right to apply euthanasia to eliminate any unnecessary
suffering.
(c) If, at the conclusion of a seventy-two (72) hour per
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§ 4-15-15. Veterinarian's emergency treatment of animals — Immunity from liability.
(a) Any licensed veterinarian of this state has the right to treat any animal which has
become injured upon any public highway of this state or upon any public or private
property of this state which is transported to that veterinarian by any person.
(b) If in the veterinarian's opinion the injuries sustained by the animal will result
in death, the veterinarian has the right to apply euthanasia to eliminate any unnecessary
suffering.
(c) If, at the conclusion of a seventy-two (72) hour period the legal owner of the animal
has not been identified or presented himself or herself to the veterinarian, the veterinarian
has the right to return the animal to the animal control warden or dog officer of
the community where the animal was injured for disposition. The animal warden or dog
officer shall have the right to dispose of the animal in accordance with the ordinances
set forth by the community.
(d) The veterinarian, animal control officer, or dog officer, or any person shall not
be held liable for any actions taken by them in the treatment or care of the animal
by the owner should the owner become known and the owner shall then be responsible
for any fees reasonably incurred in the treatment and care of the animal.