Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty: A Guide for Veterinary and Law Enforcement Professionals [Paperback]

Leslie Sinclair (Author), Melinda Merck (Author), Randall Lockwood (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0974840068 | ISBN-13: 978-0974840062 | Publication Date: August 31, 2006

What is the role of the veterinarian in a prosecution for cruelty to animals? This comprehensive introduction to the field is required reading for animal shelter, veterinary, investigative, and law enforcement professionals. In February 2007 Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty won the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) Best General Reference Book: 2006 category and was named Dogwise Best Book of 2006! In March 2007, coauthor Melinda Merck, D.V.M., was profiled in People magazine's "Animal CSI."

Editorial Reviews

Review

...A major contribution to humane work and the prevention of all forms of family violence. ...Should help break down some of the ...barriers that have precluded many veterinarians from being more proactive in the fight against animal abuse and neglect.... --Phil Arko, The Latham Letter, Winter 2007

Cruelty investigators and shelter veterinarians who take their jobs seriously will read Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty cover to cover, then wear it to tatters re-reading and referencing it....The information within it can save the cover cost many times over.... --Merritt Clifton, Animal People, March 2007

A comprehensive introduction to the emerging field of veterinary forensic investigation....An invaluable resource for animal shelters and investigative and law enforcement professionals. --The Forensic Examiner, Spring 2007

About the Author

Leslie Sinclair, D.V.M., is a principle with Shelter Veterinary Services in Columbia, Maryland. She is the former director, Companion Animal Veterinary Issues, for The Humane Society of the United States and former chief veterinarian for the Houston (Texas) SPCA. Melinda Merck, D.V.M., is the veterinary forensic consultant for the Fulton County District Attorney s Office in Atlanta, Georgia. She also conducts veterinary forensic examinations for Gwinnett County Animal Control and Cobb County Animal Control (Georgia). She is vice president of veterinary and forensic affairs for Georgia Legal Professionals for Animals. She is the owner of The Cat Clinic Roswell (Georgia). Randall Lockwood, Ph.D., is senior vice president for anti-cruelty initiatives and training for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City. He is the former vice president, Research and Educational Outreach, for The Humane Society of the United States. He is the co-editor (with Frank Ascione) of Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence (Purdue University Press).

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Humane Society Press (August 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974840068
• ISBN-13: 978-0974840062
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #668,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for every veterinarian and veterinary technician, January 24, 2007

By 

Julia Gillin "Julia Gillin RVT, CVT" (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty: A Guide for Veterinary and Law Enforcement Professionals (Paperback)

This book is long overdue for Veterinarians to take true to their oath and go beyond the call of duty in diagnosing, collecting and reporting evidence of abused and tortured animals they see in their hospitals.
Author Dr. Randall Lockwood has spent many years investigating the connection between animal cruelty and violence against human beings. I have read his books and heard him speak on these issues which has opened my eyes to a reality that is so deeply shocking. Even I, a certified veterinary technician, was so unaware how much my profession could contribute to the conviction and prosecution of these perpetrators, not just for the revolting behavior in harming defensless animals, but for statistically proven odds that the same perpetrators will go on to, or continue to harm human beings also. Every Veterinary clinic or hospital should have a copy of this book in their practice and not be afraid to use it as a bible to get involved in helping to make society a better place. You could not find better advice handed to you on a silver platter than the tools provided in this extremely well written CSI format of animal forensics!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, June 18, 2007

By 

Tara L. Martin "Tara" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty: A Guide for Veterinary and Law Enforcement Professionals (Paperback)

This book is straightforward and helpful. It covers many topics, including those easily overlooked such as the importance of good record keeping when performing investigations. All of the information is presented in a clear, concise format that is easy to read and understand. Dr. Leslie Sinclair is an excellent writer with years of experience in the field. The knowledge she shares in this book is invaluable! Definitely a must read for veterinarians and veterinary staff! Every clinic and shelter should have a copy on hand for reference.