The Legislative Assembly finds that there is a direct link between the problems of animal abuse and human abuse and further finds that for the purposes of identifying and prosecuting individuals who have committed crimes against animals, preventing further abuse of animals and preventing animal abuse from escalating to abuse against humans, it is necessary and in the public interest to require mandatory reporting of aggravated animal abuse by veterinarians. [2003 c.275 § 1]

686.442 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 686 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.