Sec. 7.5. (a) If, during the assessment, a caseworker observes, or has reason to believe, that an animal is a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, the caseworker may make a report of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect to: (1) the local law enforcement agency; or (2) the local animal control officer. (b) The information provided in a report under subsection (a) must include the following: (1) A name and description of the animal and the animal's condition. (2) The name and contact number, if known, of the owner or custodian of the animal. (3) The address or location of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect. (4) The nature and apparent extent of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect. (c) This section does not impose a duty or obligation on the caseworker to investigate known or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect. (d) A caseworker who makes a report of an animal that may be a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect is immune from any civil or criminal liability unless the caseworker made the report as a result of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct. (e) The identity of any caseworker who makes a report under this section is confidential. (f) This section does not expand or limit other laws concerning confidentiality requirements.
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