Animal Cruelty Investigations. Группа авторов

Animal Cruelty Investigations - Группа авторов


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rel="nofollow" href="#ulink_07089e9f-aae9-58b0-a021-e7e3b64999dd">1 Include a copy of the chart you utilized on site and refer to it as the standard you used when you write your reports. Share it with any veterinarians or other experts who will be examining the animals, so everyone is referencing the same body condition assessment scale in their examinations.

      Photo and video documentation of body condition is very important and must not be overlooked. Familiarize yourself with the points on the body used to assess body condition and include those points in your videos and photographs. Make sure the light is adequate to display an accurate representation of what you see with your eyes, taking care not to exaggerate or underrepresent the body condition. Include five views of each animal (front, back, each side, and from above).

Photo depicts the animal's body condition.

      Source: Oregon Humane Society.

      When responding to animal cases, it is important for the investigator to make themselves familiar with the type of routine care the animals in question should be receiving. Some issues, particularly dental problems, may not be immediately noticeable at first glance and will require a closer look at the animal, if it is willing, or by a veterinarian using sedation. Because conditions arising from lack of dental, hoof, and coat care are so common and can become so painful, even debilitating, this is an area worth the investment in time and research so that you are able to identify the issues, educate the owner, and, when necessary, articulate the evidence of criminal neglect.

Photo depicts a pot-bellied pig.

      Source: Oregon Humane Society.

      There are several reasons an individual might fail to provide veterinary treatment for an ill or injured animal. More “passive” reasons include a lack of education about or understanding of the seriousness of an animal's condition. Financial insecurity (limitations or constraints or choices) may play a part, as can a lack of transportation, language barriers, geography, and many other contributing factors that create obstacles for the animal owner. A failure to provide veterinary care can also be deliberate and with knowing disregard for an animal's suffering. It is important that the investigation sheds light on the details surrounding the owner's action or inaction in providing medication and treatment to their animal. Animal cruelty citations can result from an owner's failure to provide medical treatment to relieve pain and suffering.

      When investigating cases involving the care and treatment of a sick or injured animal, the investigator will attempt to learn what, if any, treatments have been given, as well as what medications have been utilized by or prescribed to the owner to administer to the animal. By interviewing the owner and examining the medications, you can draw your own conclusions about whether the treatment, or lack of treatment, is evidence of animal cruelty.

       If prescribed, is the medication specified for the animal in question?

       Is the medication expired?

       Is there evidence the animal has been receiving the medication (number of pills missing, liquids or ointments are open and obviously have been used)?

       Are there accompanying vet records or other instructions to the owner regarding the condition and medication?

      It is always a good idea to photograph the medication with the amount used and expiration date visible.

Photo depicts medications for animals.

      Source: Oregon Humane Society.

      Investigations of traumatic injury and physical abuse of an animal require a swift response and keen interview skills. Because evidence of abuse such as bruising, limping, and wounds can heal quickly, it is important to facilitate veterinary examination of the animal and interview witnesses and suspects as soon as possible after receiving the report. A veterinarian will be able to uncover injuries through examination, X‐ray, and other diagnostics. Their medical record and reports along with photos, videos, and test results can guide the investigator to ask questions that will shed light on the facts that led to the animal's injury or death. Likewise, information the officer gleans from interviewing witnesses and suspects can guide the veterinarian in his or her examination and diagnostic plan.


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