Andrea Veal | Support HB1438

I strongly support this bill. No mental health provider should have to worry about being sued if they report animal abuse that a patient disclosed to them. In fact, providers should be required by law (as this bill proposes) to report animal abuse. This is best for everyone: best for the providers who would feel incredible trauma and guilt if they were NOT allowed to report, best by far for the animals who are defenseless and voiceless, and best in fact for the perpetrators of animal abuse to be held accountable so that they can get needed reformation. This bill is a no-brainer: please get this bill to the floor for a vote. I can't imagine the trauma, anxiety, and stress providers would face if they were not legally obligated to report animal abuse. These mental health providers are the helpers of society; they want to help everyone and being afraid to help animals that they know are suffering would create such a painful situation for them. Let's have a system that supports everyone and requires the reporting of animal abuse.