The Veterinarian’s Role in Animal Cruelty Investigations

This course equips veterinary professionals with practical skills to address animal cruelty cases effectively.

Part one covers the legal system's foundations for animal cruelty offenses, emphasizing the veterinarian's critical role in recognizing, reporting, and responding to abuse and neglect. Topics include key terminology, animal husbandry, and the fundamentals of cruelty cases.

Part two focuses on veterinary forensic practices, including examinations, treatment plans, necropsies, evidence collection, and report writing. Real-world case studies and examples reinforce learning. Participants must score 80% or higher to earn a certificate of completion and earn 6 hours of CE.

This is a self-paced course presented by Dr. Kris Otteman, DVM, Diplomate ABVP, CAWA, Courtesy Faculty Oregon State University, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Forensics Consultant; Linda Fielder, CAWA, Humane Investigations Manager ALDF; and Emily Lewis, Esq., MSEL, Managing Attorney for the Criminal Justice Program ALDF.

This course was developed in partnership with the instructional design experts at Oregon State University Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program and Oregon State College of Veterinary Medicine.