§ 4-15-15 - Veterinarian's emergency treatment of animals – Immunity from liability. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 4-15-15

   § 4-15-15  Veterinarian's emergencytreatment of animals – Immunity from liability. – (a) Any licensed veterinarian of this state has the right to treat any animalwhich has become injured upon any public highway of this state or upon anypublic or private property of this state which is transported to thatveterinarian by any person.

   (b) If in the veterinarian's opinion the injuries sustainedby the animal will result in death, the veterinarian has the right to applyeuthanasia to eliminate any unnecessary suffering.

   (c) If, at the conclusion of a seventy-two (72) hour periodthe legal owner of the animal has not been identified or presented himself orherself to the veterinarian, the veterinarian has the right to return theanimal to the animal control warden or dog officer of the community where theanimal was injured for disposition. The animal warden or dog officer shall havethe right to dispose of the animal in accordance with the ordinances set forthby the community.

   (d) The veterinarian, animal control officer, or dog officer,or any person shall not be held liable for any actions taken by them in thetreatment or care of the animal by the owner should the owner become known andthe owner shall then be responsible for any fees reasonably incurred in thetreatment and care of the animal.