Читать книгу Animal Cruelty Investigations - Группа авторов - Страница 182

Law enforcement and prosecutors depend on veterinary expertise when determining if there has been a violation of law. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your state so you are aware which are relevant, and what specific requirements reside within each law. An officer may be investigating a “skinny horse” due to neighborhood complaints that she appears to be malnourished, only to find out from an involved veterinarian that the horse is geriatric and under care for a chronic condition resulting in adequate care but diminished condition. A police officer may not know the appropriate body appearance of dairy versus beef breeds of cattle and so on. A veterinarian answers these questions based on an understanding of the laws’ requirements for care.

State statutes differ in the language used to describe animals, standards of care, abuse and neglect, and how specific categories, such as livestock or exotic animals, are defined. The knowledge and experience of the veterinarian guides law enforcement in determining whether a violation of a statute has occurred.