(225 ILCS 115/18) (from Ch. 111, par. 7018)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029)
Sec. 18.
Unless otherwise contractually provided between veterinarian
and client, a veterinarian
may dispose of any animal abandoned in his establishment, provided he shall
give notice of his intention to do so to the owner at the last-known address
by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall allow a period of
7 days to elapse after the receipt is returned before disposing of such
animal. But if the owner cannot be located at such address, the veterinarian
shall give such notice by publication in a newspaper published and having
a circulation in the area in which such owner was last known to reside and
shall allow a period of 7 days to elapse after such publication before
disposing of such animal.
A veterinarian who, on his own initiative or other than at the request
of the owner, gives emergency treatment to a sick or injured animal shall
not be liable for damages in the absence of gross negligence. If the veterinarian
performs a euthanasic act on an animal, there is the presumption that such
was a humane act necessary to relieve the animal of suffering.
(Source: P.A. 83-1016.)
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