Georgia § 4-11-17 - Filing a report regarding animal cruelty; immunity.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 4-11-17 — Filing a report regarding animal cruelty; immunity., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-11-17. Filing a report regarding animal cruelty; immunity.
Notwithstanding Code Section 24-12-31 or any other provision of law to the contrary, any licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician having reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been subjected to animal cruelty in violation of Code Section 16-12-4 or an act prohibited under Code Section 16-12-37 may make or cause to be made a report of such violation to the Commissioner, his or her designee, an animal control officer, a law enforcement agency, or a prosecuting attorney and may appear and testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding concerning the care of an animal. Any person participating in the making of a report pursuant to this Code section or participating in any administrative or judicial proceeding pursuant to this article or Title 16 shall, in so doing, be immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed, provided such participation pursuant to this Code section or any other law is made in good faith. (Code 1981, § 4-11-17 , enacted by Ga. L. 2000, p. 754, § 10; Ga. L. 2008, p. 114, § 2-4/HB 301; Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 3/HB 24.) The 2011 amendment, effective January 1, 2013, substituted "Code Section 24-12-31" for "Code Section 24-9-29" near the beginning of subsection (a). See editor's note for applicability. Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2000, p. 754, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Animal Protection Act of 2000.' " Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 101/HB 24, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that this Act shall apply to any motion made or hearing or trial commenced on or after January 1, 2013. Law reviews. - For article, "Evidence," see 27 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2011). For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2011).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 4-11-17
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 4-11-17 cover?
Section 4-11-17 ("Filing a report regarding animal cruelty; immunity.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 4-11-17?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 4-11-17" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 4-11-17 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.