Forensic Medicine: Animal Crime Investigation
Learn the inner workings of a career in veterinary forensics, and the education, skills, and experience necessary to enter this field of veterinary practice. Dr. Melinda Merck, a forensic veterinarian and owner of Veterinary Forensics Consulting in Austin, Texas, discusses her experiences working with investigators of animal cruelty and crime scene investigation in this unique field.
Participants can expect to learn:
- How forensic veterinarians assist in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases
- The day-to-day work of a forensic veterinarian
- The education, skills, and experience needed to enter the field of veterinary forensics
- Career opportunities in veterinary forensics
Dr. Melinda Merck is the owner of Veterinary Forensics Consulting in Austin, Texas. She assists investigators of animal cruelty with crime scene investigation, examination of live and deceased victims, frequently testifying as a veterinary forensics expert. She helps with large scale operations including exhumations of burial sites and examination of skeletal animal remains. Dr. Merck provides training for veterinary, attorney and law enforcement professionals internationally on the use of veterinary forensic science and medicine in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases.
Dr. Merck is the Past President of the Board of Directors for North American Veterinary Community and Program Chair for their Veterinary Forensics: Animal CSI program. She is the founding chair of the Board of Directors for the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association. She serves on the WSAVA Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee and the Association of Prosecuting Attorney’s Animal Cruelty Advisory Council. Dr. Merck is the editor and contributing author of several textbooks and developed the first Veterinary Forensics course for the University of Georgia and Florida veterinary schools and frequently lectures at other veterinary and technician colleges.
