A state lawmaker wants to require veterinarians in Wisconsin to report animal abuse. State Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) says currently, Wisconsin vets are only required to report animal abuse to law enforcement if they suspect injuries have occurred from animal-fighting.
“There’s no requirement in the law that veterinarian notifiy officials if an individual abused an animal, or if the animal was abused by someone else,” Risser said. This is Risser’s second attempt at passing the bill. He’s more optimistic about the legislation’s chance this time around.
“This bill is, in my opinion, good public policy. It’s certainly non-partisan, and it’s something we ought to act on.” Similar laws requiring vets to report animal abuse are already on the book in 27 other states. Risser is looking for co-sponsors for the bill and hopes it’s taken up by the legislature this fall or in early 2016.
Dylan Brogan
