Investigating Animal Cruelty 5 expert opinions. In most cases, your best expert witnesses will be veterinarians because they have extensive knowledge about animals and can testify that an animal was malnourished, diseased, suffering, etc. Other persons may be able to testify as expert witnesses if they can demonstrate that they know more about a particular subject than the average individual. A judge must approve that these witnesses are indeed experts before they can testify at trial. Examples of expert witnesses include: • Veterinary/animal health technicians • Law enforcement officers with specialized training and experience • Animal control officers or cruelty investigators with specialized training and experience • Animal behaviorists • Reputable dog trainers, breeders and groomers • Farriers • Wildlife rehabilitators • Other technical experts Animal cruelty cases can be difficult to prove in a criminal trial without expert testimony. You should assemble your expert witnesses as soon as possible. You might use them at the actual scene during execution of the search warrant, or you might use them after the animal has been seized. Tips for working with experts: • Use a veterinarian designated or employed by your local animal control or humane agency, or call a local veterinarian. Request that he or she assist by examining the animals and providing a sworn statement about their conditions. Use a veterinarian who specializes in large or small animals as dictated by the species of animals in your investigation. • In many cases, the veterinarian should be at the crime scene to examine live and/or dead animals, to observe and document the conditions under which they were kept, to collect food and fecal samples, to assist with collection and preservation of biological specimens and trace evidence and to help identify the existence of possible hazards for animals. In cases involving deceased animals, the veterinarian should be able to conduct a necropsy to help determine the cause of death or other contributing factors. • Ask the veterinarian and the animal control or local humane society staff for recommendations on any additional experts in animal-related fields. • Contact additional experts and ask if they would be willing to assist and possibly provide a signed statement about the animals’ conditions or the subject matter in question. NOTE: Determine whether your jurisdiction has prescribed forms to document an animal’s condition and disposition. If not, use the sample forms included with this guide (see Appendix IV: Sample forms and supplies list). Providing copies of these forms to your veterinarian will make his or her job easier—especially if there are numerous animals involved—and will provide you with a consistent documentation format to give to the ADA. Photographic and videographic evidence Photos and videos are among the best types of evidence to document animal cruelty or neglect. The phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never held truer meaning than in cases of animal cruelty or neglect. Photos and videos allow the judge and jury to be in your shoes. When photos and videos clearly and accurately depict evidence of starvation, injuries and conditions, they validate your written documents. It might not always be practical to use your agency’s crime scene photographer so law enforcement officers are encouraged to develop their own skills in taking quality crime scene photographs. How to use this field guide
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