The Norwegian Parliament has adopted a new Animal Welfare Act that took effect on Jan. 1, 2010. New provisions include bans on sexual relations with animals, a prohibition against killing animals as entertainment or competition, and a “duty to alert” -- a public obligation to inform the police when animal abuse is suspected.

Under guidelines written by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, veterinarians are not required to alert in cases where they are subject to a professional confidentiality clause. They do, however, have the right to alert when they have reason to believe that animals are being subjected to abuse or serious neglect with regard to environment, supervision and care. They need not have concrete knowledge of the mistreatment, but must have a justifiable suspicion. Rumors or loose assumptions not confirmed by observations are not sufficient grounds for reporting; vets must carry out an assessment to determine the balance of interest between the client’s right to confidentiality and regard for the animal. An alert is justified when the care differs widely from appropriate keeping of animals. Situations in which veterinarians would not report include:

* when the alert will worsen or destroy the opportunity for further treatment of a patient

* when the situation is of a temporary nature and necessary medical treatment is being given, or

* when health personnel are satisfied that the client will take necessary action to ensure good animal welfare

The guidelines note that in the majority of situations, health personnel will likely be given approval by clients to find voluntary solutions. When such cases are not resolved voluntarily, veterinarians will have the right to report the abuse without violating the confidentiality clause.