2006 Code of Virginia § 3.1-796.76 - Injured or sick animal; action by veterinarian

3.1-796.76. Injured or sick animal; action by veterinarian.

A. If a licensed veterinarian is called or by his own action comes upon ananimal that is sick or injured and the owner of such animal cannot beimmediately located, then the licensed veterinarian, in his professionaljudgment, may treat, hospitalize or euthanize the animal without thepermission of the owner. The veterinarian shall make such reports and keepsuch records of such sick or injured animals as may be prescribed by theBoard of Veterinary Medicine, including the information required undersubsection B of 3.1-796.105.

B. In no event shall a licensed veterinarian who has acted in good faith andproperly exercised professional judgment regarding an animal be subject toliability for his actions in (i) acting in accordance with subsection A or(ii) reporting cases of suspected cruelty to animals.

(1984, c. 492, 29-213.46; 1987, c. 488; 1999, c. 620.)