Bill allowing veterinarians to report animal abuse advances

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — In a state that reveres the horse and is known for its love of animals there is a law that critics say defies logic.

Imagine suspecting a case of animal abuse and not being able to do anything about it. That’s the reality for every veterinarian in Kentucky.

Did you know veterinarians can’t report suspected abuse of animals in their care?

There’s a bill making its way through the legislature that would lift that restriction.

“We all, as veterinarians, have had those instances where an animal comes in obviously it’s in an abuse situation and we need to be able to do something about that. That’s the bottom line,” says Dr. Drew Hestad, owner and chief relief veterinarian of Vets Day Off, a relief veterinary service.

Vets can’t report abuse unless they get permission from the animal’s owner or if it’s under a court.

That’s why for Dr. Drew Hestad,  Senate Bill 21 which would lift those restrictions, is a no-brainer.

“You’re supposed to be the advocate for this animal and yet your hands are tied and you can’t do anything and you send it back into the abuse situation. That’s not a good position to be in,” says Hestad.

According to the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, Kentucky is the only state where reporting is illegal. In all other states the vet either ‘may’ or ‘shall’ report.

“That’s hard for me to believe but I think it is true,” says Republican Senator C.B. Embry of Morgantown.

That’s why Senator Embry drew up the bill. A provision was added to give vets immunity in court for reporting any alleged abuse.

“So they would have no pressure on them not to do it, ya know, the fear,” says Embry.

The immunity clause is what Democratic Senator Robin Webb of Grayson doesn’t like about the bill. She doesn’t believe a vet should be protected if, say, they give a false report.

“I think we just have to be diligent in protecting everyone’s rights, and the right to utilize and own animals, and make sure that’s not impugned in anyway,” says Senator Webb.

Webb says if someone can get their license revoked for an unfounded claim, they should be able to be sued for it.

She was the only member who voted against the bill in a Senate Committee Hearing.

Dr. Hestad argues that human medicine has the immunity clause, why can’t animal medicine?

“Nobody wants to falsely report a child abuse. Nobody wants to falsely report an animal abuse and so ya know, if that’s an area of concern, slap a fine on it,” says Hestad.

The bill heads to the Senate for consideration.