This book guides veterinarians and lawyers through the diverse and complex fields of alleged cruelty to, and unlawful killing of, companion animals, farm livestock and wildlife. It draws together current knowledge on how to approach, investigate and report forensic cases.

This book guides veterinarians and lawyers through the diverse and complex fields of alleged cruelty to, and unlawful killing of, companion animals, farm livestock and wildlife. It draws together current knowledge on how to approach, investigate and report forensic cases. Animal Abuse and Unlawful Killing is the essential definitive reference text for veterinary and legal professionals engaged in forensic cases involving animals and the source of reference for others who wish to understand the issues surrounding animal abuse cases.

• CONTENTS Introduction Definition of forensic veterinary pathology a developing specialty. The relationship between the forensic veterinary pathologist and the courts. Why do it? Legal aspects Chain of evidence, documentation, labeling, sealing, signing and dating. Retention of samples and the forensic archive, disposal of samples. Witnesses. Area of expertise and opinions. Courts. Ethics of reporting abuse. The forensic examination and report The locus: types of loci, value of attending at the locus, notes and photographs The forensic necropsy procedure: standard procedures, avoidance of pitfalls, natural disease Interpretation of findings Report writing: plain English, formatting and numbering Estimation of the post mortem interval Rigor mortis, post mortem changes including adipocere and mummification, immunohistochemistry, entomology and environmental clues Wounds and other injuries Superficial injuries: skin wounds including abrasions, incisions, lacerations and stab wounds. Bruising and haemorrhage Internal injuries: blunt trauma
• penetrating wounds
• head
• thoracic
• abdominal
• pelvic and limb injuries Non- accidental injury Terminology and definitions Features that raise suspicion Links to violence in the home Limitations on application of current knowledge to non-companion animals Comparisons with road traffic accidents and falls from high rise buildings Asphyxia and Drowning Definition of asphyxia General features. Strangulation, Choking & Smothering, Suffocation & Crush Asphyxia, Poisonous gases, Smoke inhalation, Drowning Firearms Types of weapons and ammunition: air rifles, shotguns, rifles and crossbows Firearm injuries: air rifle pellets wounds, shotgun pellet wounds, high and low velocity rifle bullet wounds, crossbow bolts injury Traps and snares Illegal use of traps and snares Injuries caused by spring traps Injuries caused by snares Deaths in cage traps Dog bite injuries Injuries to hares killed during hare coursing Injuries to roe deer seized by dogs Injuries to domestic livestock following stock worrying Poisoning Classification of poisoning of wildlife: approved use
• misuse
• abuse Necropsy features raising suspicion of chemical poisoning Procedures for sampling suspected cases of poisoning in mammals and birds Thermal injuries Burns and scalds Pathologic features in cats fatally injured in microwave ovens and tumble dryers Electrocution Heatstroke Frostbite Neglect Dogs, cats, other domestic pets and livestock: deprivation of the normal necessities of life Lack of veterinary treatment: chronic lameness in livestock
• neglected injuries
• neoplasia
• diarrhoea
• loss of weight Sexual abuse Terminology Types of injuries in companion animals Objects used Estimation of the age of lesions Bruises, healing wounds, fractures, peri-osteal responses development and resolution of pneumonia in livestock Use of histopathology in forensic cases Confirmation or exclusion of specific changes or lesions. Smoke inhalation Detection of antigens by immunohistochemistry Photography and Radiography Still photography, film types, digital Preparation of an album of photographs for court: labeling, numbering, legends. Scales and measurements Video Guidance on radiography settings Estimation of age of animal from teeth and growth plates

This may not be a comfortable book to read, but every veterinary surgeon in practice should have a copy on their shelves, and it ought to be essential reading for new graduates. It deals specifically with non-accidental injury to animals. The text is attractively laid out and well illustrated with full colour pictures and line diagrams. The first pathology textbook dedicated to non-accidental injury in animals in the UK.
Veterinary Record, February 2009