Full Statute Name: Purdon's Pennsylvania Statutes and Consolidated Statutes. Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Part VII. Civil Actions and Proceedings. Chapter 83. Particular Rights and Immunities. Subchapter C. Immunities Generally. § 8331.1. Veterinary good Samaritan civil immunity
Primary Citation: 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 8331.1Country of Origin: United StatesLast Checked: January, 2024Alternate Citation: PA ST 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 8331.1Date Adopted: 1982Historical:
Summary:
In Pennsylvania, any licensed veterinarian who, in good faith, renders emergency care to any animal which such individual has discovered at the scene of an accident or emergency situation is not be liable for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions by such person in rendering the emergency care. This immunity does not, however, apply to acts or omissions intentionally designed to cause harm, or any grossly negligent acts or omissions that cause harm to the animal. It also does not apply where the owner of the animal is present and can be consulted as to the proposed action by the veterinarian.
(a) General rule.--Any individual licensed to practice veterinary medicine who, in good faith, renders emergency care to any animal which such individual has discovered at the scene of an accident or emergency situation or which has immediately prior to the rendering of such care been brought to such individual's attention at or from the scene of any accident or emergency situation shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions by such person in rendering the emergency care, except any acts or omissions intentionally designed to harm, or any grossly negligent acts or omissions which result in harm to the animal.
(b) Definition.--As used in this section, “good faith” shall include, but is not limited to, a reasonable opinion that the immediacy of the situation is such that the rendering of care should not be postponed until the animal is hospitalized.
(c) Exception.--This section shall not apply where the owner of the animal is in attendance and can be consulted as to the proposed action by the veterinarian.
