VTMED 6752

Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

Veterinarians are uniquely qualified to recognize potential animal cruelty and are required to report suspected cruelty in the state of NY. The public demands that perpetrators of animal cruelty be held accountable, even though the definition of cruelty varies from state to state, and prosecution willingness varies by county. Although forensic medicine and pathology rely on the same basic principles and methods used for conventional veterinary medical investigations, the analytical framework and purpose differ significantly, as do the risks and rewards. If the investigation does not meet the needs of the court, the effort is wasted. Through lectures from the pathology and shelter medicine faculty as well as ASPCA forensic department guests, this course provides students with the theoretical framework and practical information needed to participate in animal cruelty investigations for live and deceased animals.The public care deeply about animal welfare and demand that perpetrators of animal cruelty be held accountable, even though the definition of cruelty varies from state to state. Veterinarians are uniquely qualified to recognize potential animal cruelty and are required to report suspected cruelty in the state of NY. Animal cruelty is but one facet of interpersonal violence. Although forensic medicine and pathology rely on the same basic principles and methods used for conventional veterinary medical investigations, the analytical framework and purpose differ significantly. If the investigation does not meet the needs of the court, the effort is wasted. Through lectures from the pathology and shelter medicine teams as well as ASPCA forensic department guests, this course provides students with the theoretical framework and practical information needed to conduct animal cruelty investigations for live and deceased animals.

When Offered Spring.

Permission Note Enrollment limited to: third- and fourth-year veterinary students.

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