2021 Oregon Revised Statutes
Chapter 686 - Veterinarians; Veterinary Technicians
Section 686.440 - Immunity from civil liability for emergency treatment.


(a) The animal has been brought to the veterinarian or veterinary technician by a person other than the owner of the animal; and
(b) The veterinarian or veterinary technician does not know who owns the animal or is unable to contact an owner of the animal before a decision must be made with respect to emergency treatment or euthanasia.
(2) The immunity granted by this section applies to:
(a) Any injury to an animal or death of an animal that results from acts or omissions of the veterinarian or veterinary technician in providing treatment to the animal; and
(b) The euthanasia of a seriously injured or seriously ill animal.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, this section does not apply to any act or omission of a veterinarian or veterinary technician that constitutes gross negligence in providing treatment to an animal.
(4) A veterinarian is completely immune from any civil liability for the decision to euthanize an animal under the circumstances described in subsection (1) of this section. [1997 c.243 ยง2]

Structure 2021 Oregon Revised Statutes

2021 Oregon Revised Statutes

Volume : 17 - Occupations

Chapter 686 - Veterinarians; Veterinary Technicians

Section 686.010 - Definitions.

Section 686.020 - License required to practice veterinary medicine; title and abbreviations usable by licensees.

Section 686.030 - Acts constituting practice of veterinary medicine.

Section 686.040 - Application of ORS 686.020 (1)(a); consultation with individual licensed in other state; rules.

Section 686.045 - Qualifications for license.

Section 686.055 - Application for license; retaining application and examination papers.

Section 686.065 - Issuance of temporary license to certain applicants.

Section 686.075 - Examination of applicants; rules.

Section 686.085 - Serving internship before being eligible for license.

Section 686.110 - Renewal of licenses or permits.

Section 686.120 - Grounds for discipline.

Section 686.130 - "Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct" defined.

Section 686.135 - License or permit denial and discipline procedures; rules; confidential information.

Section 686.150 - Disciplinary sanctions.

Section 686.155 - Fine for administrative or clerical violation of law or rule; rules.

Section 686.160 - Reapplication after license withheld or revoked; commencing practice after suspension.

Section 686.170 - Appointment of committee to investigate alleged violations of chapter.

Section 686.210 - Oregon State Veterinary Medical Examining Board; rules.

Section 686.255 - Fees; how determined.

Section 686.260 - Investigation of violations; rules; informing district attorney or Attorney General.

Section 686.360 - Duties that may be performed by veterinary technician; rules.

Section 686.370 - Examination for license; rules.

Section 686.375 - Veterinary technician license; fee; rules.

Section 686.410 - Continuing education required; rules.

Section 686.420 - Notice of license expiration; rules; effect of failure to comply with criteria for continuing education; waiver.

Section 686.435 - Removal of domestic animal from veterinary facility; rules.

Section 686.440 - Immunity from civil liability for emergency treatment.

Section 686.442 - Legislative findings.

Section 686.445 - Reporting of abandoned, neglected or abused animals; immunity from liability for report; reporting animals injured by trapping device.

Section 686.450 - Definitions.

Section 686.455 - Duty to report aggravated animal abuse.

Section 686.460 - Duty of law enforcement agency after receiving report of aggravated animal abuse.

Section 686.465 - Immunity for reporting in good faith.

Section 686.600 - Requirements for veterinary facility; inspections; fees; rules.

Section 686.990 - Penalties.