HOUSE BILL NO. 1305

By Representative Buck

Substituted for: Senate Bill No. 482

By Senators Haynes, Person, Crowe, Davis, Williams

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 12, relative to licensed veterinarians and ancillary veterinary personnel who provide emergency services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 12, is amended by adding a new appropriately designated section as follows:

Section ___. Any licensed veterinarian, or ancillary veterinary personnel employed by and working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, who, in good faith, at his or her own initiative renders emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal gratuitously and without making charge for such treatment, is not liable to the owner of the animal for any civil damages arising from the treatment provided to the animal except in cases of gross negligence. If the licensed veterinarian, or ancillary veterinary personnel acting under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, performs euthanasia on an animal it is presumed that it was a humane act necessary to relieve pain and suffering.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.