Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780813815015

Table of Contents

Reviews

...Covers [a] wide-ranging field, drawing together information that will provie useful to professionals from varied specialties - animal welfare officials, shelter staff, clinical veterinarians, veteirnary pathologists, and forensics experts. After reading this forensics text, I find myself fascinated... - Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation This is a book that should be in every clinic. I am sure that most... readers will have had an animal presented where abuse was suspected. This book will be very useful in those cases. - Veterinary Information Network From crime scene investigation and forensic testing to compiling evidence that will hold up in court, Veterinary Forensics offers a resource essential for animal cruelty investigators. - Midwest Book Review Dr. Melinda Merck is well-qualified to produce such a text. The author has included 27 appendices with useful examples of various logs, worksheets, and record and report forms. The book also includes a detailed index. Veterinary Forensics fulfills its intended purpose to serve as a practical reference and resource guide. - JAALAS Help[s] fill the void in the forensic veterinary medical literature. Nobody could argue with Dr. Merck's enthusiasm and zeal to make us aware of an important topic that we would prefer to ignore, but should not. - Veterinary Pathology

Author Information

Melinda D. Merck, DVM, is a forensic veterinarian with the ASPCA(r) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(r)), and frequently provides training for veterinary and law enforcement professionals nationwide on the use of veterinary medical knowledge in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases. In addition, she is a veterinary forensics consultant for the Fulton County District Attorney's Office in Atlanta, Ga., and also conducts veterinary forensic examinations for Gwinnett County Animal Control. Dr. Merck often testifies as a forensic veterinary expert for animal cruelty cases around the country, including cases involving animal hoarding, dog fighting and animal torture. She has previously worked as an associate veterinarian in both private practice and animal hospital settings.

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