Review by Kathy Lyon 
(Click on stars for an explanation) |
You may purchase this book on Amazon.com. |
This is the second book on this topic to come out this year. Apparently the forensics of animal cruelty/abuse is becoming a popular topic.
This book, co-written by John Cooper DVM, and his wife, Margaret, a solicitor of the Supreme Court, matches the issue of forensics well. The demand for expert opinions, plus the growing interest in animal regulation and the proliferation of animal field officers and inspectors, makes this an important book.
The book covers working up a forensic case, including all of the legal issues (chain of evidence, identification, pathology, etc.). Practical advice is interspersed throughout the text, and important information is included that combines human forensic medicine and the biological sciences.
Many case studies that illustrate various important points to be made in working up a legal approach are included. What you look for to help sick or injured animals is very different from what you need to do in an investigation into animal death or injury.
Table of Contents
Part I: Introduction
- What is forensic medicine?
- The special features of veterinary and comparative forensic medicine
- The importance and application of animal law
Part II: Particular Types of Case
- Animal welfare
- Conservation and wildlife crime
Part III: Methodology
- Clinical work
- Post-mortem examinations
- Laboratory investigations
- Site visits and collection of evidence
- Collation and analysis of findings and record-keeping
- Storage, labeling, and presentation of material
- Serving as a witness and appearing in court
- The future
Appendix A. Submission and report forms - carcasses, tissues, and laboratory samples
Appendix B. Useful addresses and sources of information
Appendix C. Glossary of terms
Appendix D. Some case studies demonstrating approach and techniques
Appendix E. Journals, societies, and organizations
Appendix F. Scientific names of species in text
References and Further Reading
Index
Wiley (publication date in USA: April, 2007).
Hardcover, 7.5 x 9.75 in format, 432 pages, 157 illustrations.
ISBN-13: 9781405111010.
ISBN-10: 1405111011.