Veterinary Forensics

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.

Dedication. Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction. Chapter 1. The Legal System and the Veterinarian's Role. Chapter 2. Crime Scene Investigation. Chapter 3. CSI: The Animal as Evidence. Chapter 4. Special Considerations in Animal Cruelty Cases. Chapter 5. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Non-Penetrating Injuries. Chapter 6. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Penetrating Injuries. Chapter 7. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Burns. Chapter 8. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Gunshot Wounds. Chapter 9. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Asphyxia and Drowning. Chapter 10. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Poisoning. Chapter 11. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Neglect. Chapter 12. Sexual Assault. Chapter 13. Animal Fighting. Chapter 14. Time of Death. Appendix 1. Evidence Log. Appendix 2. Evidence Packaging Form. Appendix 3. Evidence Receipt Form. Appendix 4. Live SOAP Form. Appendix 5. Weight Change. Appendix 6. Body Condition Assessment. Appendix 7. Skin Condition-Cat. Appendix 8. Skin Condition-Dog. Appendix 9. Hair, Nails Condition-Cat. Appendix 10. Hair, Nails Condition-Dog. Appendix 11. Hair, Nails Scale. Appendix 12. Necropsy History. Appendix 13. Necropsy Worksheet. Appendix 14. External Wounds-Cat. Appendix 15. External Wounds-Dog. Appendix 16. Fixed Tissue List. Appendix 17. Preliminary Veterinary Statement. Appendix 18. Final Veterinary Statement. Appendix 19. Medical Record Certification. Appendix 20. Exam/Necropsy Report. Appendix 21. Tufts Animal Care and Condition Scale. Appendix 22. Forensic Entomology Data Form. Appendix 23. Entomology Specimen Disposition/ID Log. Appendix 24. Entomological Sample Log Sheet. Appendix 25. Forensic Specialists and Laboratories. Appendix 26. Animal Cruelty Forensic Kits. Appendix 27. Webliography