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.

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.

Animal Maltreatment is the first book to provide an overview of animal maltreatment as a legal, clinical, and forensic issue. It offers guidance for mental health and legal professionals involved in the adjudication of animal maltreatment offenses, with a special focus on forensic mental health assessments in such cases.

Inside the Clark R. Bavin U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory lies a rarely seen world, a CSI for wildlife, where a walk-in freezer contains carcasses and animal parts awaiting necropsies (animal autopsies); shelves and drawers hold pills, rugs, carvings, and countless other products made from parts of endangered animals; and a dedicated group of forensic scientists is responsible for victims from thirty thousand animal species. Accomplished environmental journalist Laurel A. Neme goes behind the scenes at the wildlife forensics lab -- the only crime lab of its kind -- to reveal how its forensic scientists and the agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working to investigate wildlife crimes, protect endangered species, and stem illegal wildlife trafficking, the third largest illegal trade in the world. In three fascinating cases -- headless walrus washed up on the shores of Alaska, black bears killed for the healing powers of their gallbladders, and gorgeous feathered headdresses secretly shipped to the United States from the Amazon -- Neme traces the USFWS's daring undercover investigations and how the scientists' innovative forensic techniques provide conclusive evidence of a crime. Throughout, she underscores the staggering international scope of the supply and demand for wildlife and animal parts. Filled with the suspense and thrilling detail of a crime novel yet driven by the all-too-real drama of a small band of scientists and investigators battling a lucrative, high-stakes underground industry, Animal Investigators is an engrossing account of crime and cutting-edge science.