Veterinary Forensics

Animal cruelty is gaining attention worldwide. With the rise of mandatory reporting requirements for veterinarians and prosecution of animal cruelty, veterinarians and pathologists need the resources to properly assist in these cases. Veterinary Forensics is a practical reference for veterinarians, pathologists and investigators. Written by a leading expert in veterinary forensics, it provides the background and resources needed to work with animal abuse cases. The book offers detailed and clear direction on crime scene investigation, forensic testing and forensic pathology findings, as well as guidance on handling evidence and conducting evaluations that will hold up in court. Primarily focused on dogs and cats, the principles and techniques in this book can be applied easily to other species as well. Photographs highlight pertinent forensic findings in animals, and extensive appendices include forms for examination, report writing, entomology collection, body condition scoring, forensic kits, forensic specialists and labs, and web resources.

Veterinary Forensics: Investigation, Evidence Collection, and Expert Testimony will provide anyone involved in an investigation of an animal involved crime or civil action with the knowledge and tools that can give guidance for their actions in completing a forensic investigation. All 50 U.S. states, and numerous countries around the world, have laws against animal abuse and cruelty. Law enforcement agents, veterinarians, the judiciary, attorneys and forensic scientists may be involved in cases of animal cruelty, neglect or human crimes that may have an animal element. Additionally, the animal can be the victim, suspect or in some instances the witness of a crime. Given that acquittal or conviction is dependent upon the nature and veracity of the evidence, the quality of the evidence in an animal-related crime investigation must be beyond reproach. The book begins with a discussion of animal abuse and crimes against animals, crime scene investigation, and, from there, discusses various types of forensic examinations of the animal, culminating in a review of the judicial system and testimony in a court of law. All contributing authors are practicing professionals in law, veterinary medicine, and the private sector who provide current, best-practice evidence collection and forensic techniques. Chapters provide in-depth detail about the forensic clinical examination and forensic necropsy of small and large animal species, forensic radiology, forensic toxicology, bitemark analysis and animal behavior. Various, relevant forensic disciplines such as bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA analysis, animal sexual abuse, agroterrorism, animal hoarding, ritual crimes against animals, and animal fighting are discussed. Key Features: Presents established and accepted police techniques in animal crime scene investigation including identification, documentation and packaging of physical evidence and scene photography and videography Includes essential techniques to collect and preserve biological and DNA evidence for animal DNA testing Review of the forensic clinical examination and forensic necropsy of small and large animals Provides methods of evidence presentation in the courtroom, the nature of court room testimony, and the development of an expert report Veterinary Forensics: Investigation, Evidence Collection, and Expert Testimony fills the void of applied, real-world investigative techniques for the collection and presentation of veterinary forensic medical and scientific information. It will be a welcome reference to both the student and professional in the understanding all relevant evidentiary, investigative, and legal elements of the discipline.

While there are several recent books on this emerging field, Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences sets the bar, covering all relevant aspects in a succinct, easy-to-read, comprehensive format designed to be taught in a single-semester course. Intended to be the premier textbook on veterinary forensic sciences, the book covers the application of veterinary forensic medicine to cases, including the medical perspective as well as law enforcement response, crime scene management, and evidence recovery issues. Coverage includes the scientific and legal principles for veterinary forensic evidence. This clearly delineates it from veterinary-only practices, since the forensic aspects present additional challenges that include evidence recovery and preservation, report writing, and maintaining an evidentiary chain of custody, all the way through expert witness testimony. Some emerging topics that are covered include DNA and genetic evidence, entomological evidence in support of veterinary forensics, animal fighting, situational deaths, including poisonings, domestic violence, and cruelty, sharp and blunt force trauma, gunshot and wound ballistics, sexual assault, nonhuman odontology and osteology, and more. Features Details a process for forensic science case management for humane law enforcement agencies Presents multiple chapters on specific types of trauma analysis in animals Provides developments on current trends in forensic entomology as applied to wildlife crime and minimum postmortem interval determinations Explores national and international considerations in combating organized animal fighting Offers DNA applications for wildlife crime and environmental monitoring Outlines current animal and environmental forensic toxicology legal casework This text offers a straightforward presentation of current practices and includes several real-world case examples throughout to illustrate concepts. Fully illustrated with more than 280 full-color images, Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences provides the latest in advances and up-to-date field techniques, applicable for student instruction in the classroom and beyond.

This richly illustrated two-volume book offers a comprehensive and essential reference guide for veterinary pathologists and clinical veterinarians interested in performing animal necropsies for forensic casework. It presents a broad range of animal crime cases, with particular focus on the post mortem examination and the observed pathology. This first volume introduces readers to veterinary forensics and the role of the veterinary pathologist in animal crime investigations. It guides them through the process of evidence collection and documentation, and covers the fundamentals of forensic necropsy and the estimation of time since death. In-depth descriptions of how to conduct the forensic evaluation of various traumatic injuries, firearm injuries, and asphyxia are also provided.

Introduction to Veterinary and Comparative Forensic Medicine is a ground-breaking book in an emerging new speciality. It reflects the increasing demand for expert opinion by veterinarians and others in courts of law and elsewhere on such matters as: · wildlife conservation, · welfare of, and alleged cruelty to, animals, · insurance, certification and malpractice · the identification of live and dead species or their derivatives. It also discusses and analyses current concern over possible links between domestic violence and abuse of animals. Throughout the book the emphasis is on the need for a systematic and thorough approach to forensic work. A particular feature is practical advice, with protocols on dealing with common problems, together with case studies, various appendices and an extensive bibliography. A vital reference for members of the veterinary profession, lawyers, enforcement bodies and welfare and conservation organisations. The comparative aspects provide an important source of information for those working in human forensic medicine and the biological sciences.

Veterinarians often come into contact with the law in cases of animal cruelty, domestic animal and wildlife crimes, and human crimes with an animal element. This book provides practical information and training on how to operate within a crime scene. It covers the tests that may need to be carried out, collecting evidence, preparing reports and giving evidence in court as an expert witness. Concentrating on the basic principles and background knowledge needed, the book includes hair, blood and bite mark analysis as well as an overview of firearms injury. It explores wider concepts such as the human-animal bond and one health, going on to give practical guidance and numerous case studies, which bring the book to life and into the real world of the busy crime scene. Practical Veterinary Forensics is an indispensable guide to all veterinarians working in cases of animal cruelty, abuse and crimes against animals. It is essential for welfare organizations, animal shelters and those requiring an introduction to veterinary forensic science.

This richly illustrated two-volume book offers a comprehensive and essential reference guide for veterinary pathologists and clinical veterinarians interested in performing animal necropsies for forensic casework. It presents a broad range of animal crime cases, with particular focus on the post mortem examination and the observed pathology . This second volume guides readers through the forensic evaluation of animal deaths caused by drowning, fire, electrical, and environmental injuries, poisoning, animal fighting, neglect, and sexual abuse. In addition, it offers practical advice on evaluating anesthesia-related deaths, age estimation, and how to write the necropsy report.

Veterinary Forensics, Second Edition is a practical reference on applying veterinary forensic findings in animal cruelty cases. Now providing a greater focus on findings in animals, the second edition continues to offer guidance with more detailed information on crime scene investigation, forensic testing and findings, handling evidence, and testifying in court. Key changes to the new edition include new chapters on abuse in large animals, poultry, and birds; a standalone chapter on entomology; a new section on large scale cruelty investigation; an expanded section on pain and suffering; more pathology information; and more photos, forms, and information throughout. Logs and workbooks from the book are available on a companion website at www.wiley.com/go/vetforensics, allowing readers to download, customize, and use these forms in forensics investigations. Veterinary Forensics is an essential resource for veterinarians, pathologists, attorneys, and investigators working on animal abuse cases.