Veterinarians Would Be Required To Report Abuse Under New Law

State Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) has proposed a requirement for veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse to law enforcement or humane officers.

Current state law requires vets to do so only when they suspect that an animal has been involved in fighting. Risser says that’s not enough.

“We should report animal abuse in any case, and this would expand it from just animal fighting, to any case of animal abuse. It’s good public policy and it makes the law more rounded.”

Twenty-nine states already require vets to report suspected animal abuse.