This bill proposes updates to Arizona Revised Statutes regarding civil and small claims actions against veterinarians for the death or injury of animals in their care. It introduces new provisions that allow for the admission of records and findings from the Arizona state veterinary medical examining board as evidence in these cases. Specifically, it stipulates that such records can be used in place of an expert witness affidavit, and damages awarded may include reasonable medical expenses incurred by the plaintiff for treating the animal, even if those expenses were paid to another veterinarian.

Additionally, the bill establishes that if a small claims action is transferred to the justice court at the veterinarian's request, the evidence previously mentioned will also be admissible in the justice court proceedings. The definition of "veterinarian" is expanded to include licensed veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians, and licensed veterinary faculty members, ensuring that the provisions apply broadly within the veterinary profession.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-213, 22-526, 32-2201