Oregon’s Cruelty Laws
A summary of Oregon's cruelty laws.
Animal Welfare
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Position Statements of the Association
The position statements of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.
Recognizing & Responding to Animal Cruelty: Video Presentation
Veterinarians and the veterinary team are on the front line of confronting animal neglect and cruelty. Experts with the ASPCA’s Animal Forensic Sciences Team discuss your important roles and responsibilities in addressing animal welfare, plus the critical identification and documentation of neglect and abuse. Refine what you know. Learn what you might not know.
Recognizing the Signs of Abuse
Animal abuse victims come to the attention of the veterinarian in a variety of ways. It is a misconception by many veterinarians that clients who abuse their pets will not seek veterinary care for them.
Reporting Aggravated Animal Abuse
Veterinarians are required by law to report suspected cases of aggravated animal abuse, with a penalty up to $1,000 for failure to do so.
Reporting Suspected Cases of Animal Abuse
Good faith reporting of animal abuse does not require that the veterinarian know for a fact that the animal has been abused, but only that a reasonable suspicion exists based on the historical findings and physical examination of the patient. In Oregon, veterinarians are required by law to report suspected cases of aggravated animal abuse.
Summary of Abuse Conditions
A summary of several possible types of abuse and how it typically presents.
Veterinarians Required to Report Animals Injured by Trapping Devices
Oregon law requires that veterinarians who treat animals that have been injured in traps have to report the incident to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University. House Bill 3147 was approved by the Oregon Legislature in 2001.