Veterinary Forensics

by Editor: Melinda D. Merck

• ISBN13: 9780813815015
• ISBN10: 0813815010
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-07-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

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. A must-have for veterinarians, pathologists and investigators, thispractical reference provides the background and knowledge needed to work with animal abuse cases.

Author Biography

Melinda D. Merck, DVM, is a forensic veterinarian with the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), 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.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

The Legal System and the Veterinarian #8217;s Role

Crime Scene Investigation

CSI: The Animal as Evidence

Special Considerations in Animal Cruelty Cases

Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Non-Penetrating Injuries

Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Penetrating Injuries

Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Burns

Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Gunshot Wounds

Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Asphyxia and Drowning

Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Poisoning

Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Neglect

Sexual Assault

Animal Fighting

Time of Death

Evidence Log

Evidence Packaging Form

Evidence Receipt Form

Live SOAP Form

Weight Change

Body Condition Assessment

Skin Condition-Cat

Skin Condition-Dog

Hair, Nails Condition-Cat

Hair, Nails Condition-Dog

Hair, Nails Scale

Necropsy History

Necropsy Worksheet

External Wounds-Cat

External Wounds-Dog

Fixed Tissue List

Preliminary Veterinary Statement

Final Veterinary Statement

Medical Record Certification

Exam/Necropsy Report

Tufts Animal Care and Condition Scale

Forensic Entomology Data Form

Entomology Specimen Disposition/ID Log

Entomological Sample Log Sheet

Forensic Specialists and Laboratories

Animal Cruelty Forensic Kits

Webliography

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.