CSI For Animals: Forensic Vets Battle Pet Abuse, Neglect

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April 12th, 2016

Before and after photos are shown Thursday April 7, 2016 of a boxer named Brewster cared for at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA ) forensic unit, after he was dropped off last year by a good Samaritan who said he found the starving animal in a park, in New York. The ASPCA forensic veterinarians work with the New York Police Department to capture evidence and punish animal abusers. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

The cocker spaniel arrives at the animal hospital with a police officer, whimpering and shaking. He has a pus-filled pink socket for a left eye and is so skinny his spine and ribs show through his caramel-colored fur.

Because animal abuse is suspected, this dog won’t be handled like the other pets coming in for treatment to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — it will go instead to a specialized team of forensic veterinarians who are trained to treat animals while also developing evidence for possible criminal charges.

“The message to people who are abusing animals is that there is action being taken,” said Dr. Alison Liu, one of the forensic vets on staff. “And if they’re thinking they may not get caught, that’s not always the case.”

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