Source: CTV News
Dr. Shane Bateman, a veterinarian at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, is pioneering forensic Veterinary science to help uncover and prosecute cases of animal abuse. Inspired by the recognized link between animal cruelty and human violence, Bateman developed a program training Veterinary students to investigate, document, and testify on abuse cases. The week-long rotation uses mock crime scenes, stuffed animals, cadavers, and forensic autopsies to teach evidence gathering, injury analysis, and legal procedures.
Students also learn animal welfare laws and practice serving as expert witnesses. Semi-retired pathologist Tony Van Dreumel praised the hands-on training, noting its importance for real-world cases. Bateman extends this education to practicing veterinarians, including equine specialists, to spot abuse in barns or stables. He stresses that identifying animal abuse can also protect vulnerable people, as such cases often indicate broader family violence, potentially saving both human and animal lives through early intervention.