CODE OF VIRGINIA

INJURED OR SICK ANIMAL; ACTION BY VETERINARIAN (§ 3.2-6507)

A. If a licensed veterinarian is called or by his own action comes upon an
animal that is sick or injured and the owner of such animal cannot be
immediately located, then the licensed veterinarian, in his professional
judgment, may treat, hospitalize or euthanize the animal without the permission
of the owner. The veterinarian shall make such reports and keep such records of
such sick or injured animals as may be prescribed by the Board of Veterinary
Medicine, including the information required under subsection B of § 3.2-6557.

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

HISTORY: 1984, c. 492, § 29-213.46; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.76; 1999, c. 620;
2008, c. 860.