Sec. 15.14.15.03. Reporting Requirements

A. A treating veterinarian who has reason to believe that any animal treated has been subjected to animal cruelty shall promptly report the suspected instance of cruelty to the appropriate law enforcement agency in a timely manner.

B. The report shall include:

(1) The name, age, and location of the animal;

(2) The name and home address of the owners or custodian of the animal;

(3)The nature and extent of the suspected animal cruelty, including any evidence or information available concerning possible previous instances of animal cruelty; and

(4) Any other information that would help determine:

(a) The cause of the suspected animal cruelty; or

(b) The identity of any individual responsible for the suspected animal cruelty.

C. A veterinarian making a report under this chapter shall document the report by recording and maintaining a record of:

(1) The date and time of the report;

(2) The identity of the local law enforcement or animal control agency to which the report was made;

(3) The identity of any person employed by the local law enforcement or county animal control agency where the report was made;

(4) The substance of any instructions or advice received from local law enforcement or county animal control; and

(5) Any other information documenting that the report was made and received by a local law enforcement or animal control agency.

D. Records reflecting reports under this chapter shall be maintained for three years by the veterinarian.

E. A veterinarian who reports in good faith a suspected incident of animal cruelty or participates in an investigation of suspected animal cruelty is immune:

(1) From civil liability that results from this report or from participation in the investigation, in accordance with Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §5-424, Annotated Code of Maryland;

(2) From criminal prosecution for the report or participation in the investigation.

F. The Board shall maintain a list of the appropriate law enforcement agencies that a veterinarian shall contact for reporting purposes.