Title: Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations (Second Edition)
Editor: Melinda D. Merck, DVM
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. / Wiley-Blackwell
Publication Year: 2013
ISBN: 978-0-470-96162-9
Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations, Second Edition is the definitive, practical guide to navigating the complex intersection of veterinary medicine, animal welfare law, and criminal forensic science. Edited by renowned forensic veterinary pioneer Dr. Melinda D. Merck, this updated edition provides step-by-step methodologies for crime scene documentation, physical evidence preservation, postmortem evaluation, and courtroom testimony. It serves as an essential operative resource for veterinarians, animal control officers, forensic investigators, law enforcement personnel, and legal professionals committed to prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect cases effectively.
Key Topics Covered:
- Crime Scene Processing & Evidence Handling: Systematic procedures for initial crime scene response, photographic documentation, evidence recognition, chain of custody protocol maintenance, and downloadable investigative checklists.
- Forensic Postmortem Examination & Pathology: Detailed protocols for conducting veterinary forensic necropsies, recognizing non-accidental physical injuries, differentiating antemortem from postmortem changes, and assessing malnutrition or neglect.
- Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Forensic analysis and diagnostic evaluation of blunt force trauma, sharp force injuries, gunshot wounds, burn patterns, asphyxiation, and organized animal fighting trauma.
- Legal Case Building & Courtroom Testimony: Best practices for drafting objective forensic medical reports, preparing expert witness testimony, presenting scientific evidence, and navigating judicial expectations in animal cruelty litigation.
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