(1) Notwithstanding ORS § 40.225 to 40.295, a public or private official who has reasonable cause to believe that an animal with which the official has come in contact has suffered aggravated animal abuse, or that any person with whom the official has come in contact has committed aggravated animal abuse, may immediately report the suspected aggravated animal abuse in the manner prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.

Terms Used In Oregon Statutes 609.654

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Person: includes individuals, corporations, associations, firms, partnerships, limited liability companies and joint stock companies. See Oregon Statutes 174.100

(2) A report of suspected aggravated animal abuse authorized under subsection (1) of this section may be made to a law enforcement agency, either orally or in writing, and may include, if known:

(a) The name and description of each animal involved;

(b) The address and telephone number of the owner or other person responsible for the care of the animal;

(c) The nature and extent of the suspected abuse;

(d) Any evidence of previous aggravated animal abuse;

(e) Any explanation given for the suspected abuse; and

(f) Any other information that the person making the report believes may be helpful in establishing the cause of the suspected abuse or the identity of the person causing the abuse.

(3) A public or private official who acts in good faith and has reasonable grounds for making a report of suspected aggravated animal abuse under this section is not liable in any civil or criminal proceeding brought as a result of making the report. [2007 c.731 § 3]