A new, immersive clinical rotation at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) gives students intensive case-based learning in the discipline of Veterinary Forensic Science
Content Warning: This story will discuss animal abuse, neglect and cruelty, as well as intimate partner violence, violence against animals and violence against children. If you require support during or after reading this story, dial 9-8-8 anywhere in Canada, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Animals, like people, can be victims of crime.
The world of veterinary forensic science blends medicine and law to investigate the cause of animal injury or death. A forensic veterinarian is part doctor, part detective: their efforts are rooted in several medical specialties including pathology (how the nature and causes of disease affects cells, tissues and organs in the body) and toxicology (the study of the adverse effects of chemicals in the body). Their mission? To investigate clues, assemble information and puzzle pieces, and gather and preserve evidence to ultimately find the truth and advocate for animals.
[In photo: Two student veterinarians participate in a mock crime scene exercise at OVC]
“There is a societal expectation that veterinarians are able to recognize and act when they encounter or suspect crimes against animals,” says Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) professor Dr. Shane Bateman. “Veterinary forensic science helps protect animals by giving them a voice when they can’t speak for themselves.”
We sat down with Dr. Bateman – professor, critical care specialist and animal welfare advocate. When he isn’t training student veterinarians, interns and residents, delivering life-saving care to patients in OVC’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), teaching students in lectures, or leading community engagement programs, you may find him creating a mock crime scene to educate the future generation of veterinarians.
In his words: “We’re training future veterinarians to not only become excellent clinicians, but compassionate defenders of animal welfare and vital partners in community safety.”
Read on to learn what Dr. Bateman wants pet owners to know about this important topic and how his newest endeavour aims to equip the next generation of veterinary leaders to be frontline protectors of animal and human welfare.
What is Veterinary Forensic Science?
Veterinary Forensic Science is a branch of the profession that harnesses a veterinarian's scientific and medical expertise into various aspects of the legal system. Forensic veterinarians have additional training in understanding the legal system and many other forensic science subdisciplines, such as forensic entomology, which uses insects to help determine the approximate time of death. We can use our expertise in civil matters (for example, a disputed insurance claim) or criminal matters that involve investigating cases of suspected animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty using medical and forensic expertise. Forensic veterinarians use their training to support investigations and prosecutions to help investigators, judges and juries understand the facts of the case and may be called upon to give their expert opinion about what may have happened. There is also a critical sub-discipline in wildlife forensic science that focuses on crimes against wildlife (e.g., poaching or trafficking of endangered species).
What does “Violence Link” mean?
The term “Violence Link” refers to the well-documented connection between animal abuse and other forms of violence—including intimate partner or gender-based violence, child maltreatment and elder abuse. Over the past few decades, researchers, law enforcement, and social service professionals have found that violence in a household rarely affects just one individual. Instead, it’s often part of a larger pattern of harm. When animals are being mistreated in a home, there’s a significantly higher chance that people are, too. Multiple studies have shown that in households where intimate partner violence occurs, animal abuse is present in up to 70 per cent of cases. Abusers may harm pets to exert control or intimidate others in the home. In some cases, animals are used as pawns to prevent victims from leaving dangerous situations—because they fear their pet will be hurt or killed if they go. Children who grow up witnessing or committing acts of cruelty to animals may also be more likely to engage in violence later in life. This is why early intervention matters so much.
How can veterinarians help?
Veterinarians, like teachers and social workers, are in a unique position to notice warning signs. A pet with unexplained injuries, repeated trauma, or signs of neglect might be the first visible clue that something is wrong in a household. By recognizing and reporting these signs, veterinarians play an essential role not only in protecting animals but also in potentially preventing further harm to people. Understanding the Violence Link reminds us that the well-being of animals and humans is deeply connected. Protecting one helps protect the other—and creates safer, more compassionate communities for all.
How did your passion(s) inspire you to become interested in and pursue this area of work?
I never imagined that this would be part of my career. I felt called to this work while I was attending a Violence Link Conference organized by Humane Canada several years ago. A renowned veterinary forensic scientist spoke and issued a call to action for everyone in the audience, particularly veterinarians! I have always been a fan of popular media showcasing true crime and forensic science, so immediately, I thought about the platform I have as an educator. With my experience in emergency and critical care, I knew that I could make a difference. I initially focused on how I could elevate these issues within our curriculum, but recently, I’ve started to take on additional consulting roles that have provided more experience and helped me to be a more authentic teacher.
[In photos: Dr. Shane Bateman teaches students and treats patients in the OVC Companion Animal Hospital's Intensive Care Unit]
What legal and societal obligations do veterinarians have in animal welfare and crime?
Veterinarians in Canada have both legal responsibilities and ethical duties when it comes to protecting animals from harm—and supporting overall animal welfare in our communities. Legally, in all Canadian provinces and territories, veterinarians are mandated reporters. This means that if a veterinarian has reasonable grounds to suspect that an animal is being abused, neglected, or otherwise harmed, they must report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the provincial animal welfare service or the police. In some provinces, failing to report suspected abuse can even result in penalties or professional discipline. This reporting role is crucial, because veterinarians are often among the first people who see signs of abuse. An injured pet, poor body condition, or signs of chronic neglect may be more than just medical issues—they may be red flags for something more serious going on at home.
How can veterinarians make a difference?
Beyond their legal obligations, veterinarians also have strong ethical responsibilities. These are outlined in professional codes of conduct and veterinary oaths, which emphasize the veterinarian’s role as an advocate for animal health and welfare. Veterinarians are expected to use their knowledge and judgment to promote the well-being of animals, prevent suffering, and act in the best interests of their patients—even when that means stepping into difficult or uncomfortable situations. Importantly, these responsibilities extend beyond the clinic. Veterinarians are increasingly seen as part of a broader social safety net, working alongside child welfare workers, law enforcement, and social services. By speaking up for animals, veterinarians often help protect entire families who may be at risk. In short, veterinarians are not just animal doctors—they are frontline protectors of both animal and human welfare, with a duty to act when something doesn’t seem right. Their compassion, training, and courage can truly make a life-saving difference.
Tell us about the new clinical rotation you’ve introduced.
Along with my amazing veterinary forensic pathology colleague, Dr. Emily Brouwer from the Animal Health Lab, we’ve introduced an exciting and important new rotation for veterinary students at OVC: the Veterinary Forensic Science Elective. This one-week intensive rotation gives future veterinarians hands-on experience with the kinds of real-world cases they may encounter when animals are victims of abuse, neglect, or other forms of criminal harm. During the week, students explore difficult but essential topics—such as non-accidental injury, animal hoarding, puppy mills, and even animal fighting or sexual abuse. They learn how to spot the signs of these crimes, how to document what they see clearly and professionally, and how to collect and preserve evidence that may be used in a legal case. Each day features small-group discussions and interactive workshops. For example, students might work through a mock forensic examination on a stuffed animal or cadaver, document injuries through photography and written reports while they investigate a ‘mock’ crime scene or practice their skills as ‘expert witnesses’ in a simulated courtroom setting. They also learn about the Violence Link. Importantly, the rotation also supports student mental health and well-being, acknowledging that exposure to disturbing case material can be emotionally challenging. Time is set aside for debriefing and discussion, and students are encouraged to reflect on the emotional impact of the work and how they can protect themselves and others that may be triggered by the work they are involved in.
[In photo: Dr. Bateman briefs student veterinarians during a mock crime scene exercise, part of a new clinical rotation at OVC]
How do you hope the new clinical rotation will benefit student learning?
Our goal is to prepare veterinary graduates to confidently respond when they suspect animal abuse. We want students to leave this rotation with a strong understanding of how to advocate for animals, how to navigate legal and ethical responsibilities, and how to communicate effectively with both clients and professionals. Ultimately, we’re helping future veterinarians become not just excellent clinicians—but also compassionate defenders of animal welfare and vital partners in community safety.
Is there anything else we haven’t touched on that you feel is important for veterinary professionals and pet owner communities to know?
Something I think is important to highlight is the power of working together. Veterinarians play a critical role in protecting animals, but we can’t do it alone. That’s why building strong, respectful partnerships with law enforcement, the criminal justice system, social workers, and community organizations is so essential. When veterinarians, police officers, lawyers, social workers, and animal welfare advocates all understand each other’s roles—and know how to work together—we can respond to cruelty and neglect more quickly, more effectively, and with more compassion. Animals are safer, and so are the people around them. Education is key: the more we all know—about how to recognize abuse, how to report it, and how to follow the right processes—the more we can do. And when everyone involved is empowered to act, we raise the standard of animal welfare and protection for the entire community. In the end, protecting animals isn’t just a veterinary issue—it’s a community responsibility. When we come together, we do better: for animals, for families and for everyone.
This article appears in the upcoming Fall 2025 / Winter 2026 issue of Best Friends Magazine.
Read more from the University of Guelph: Crimes Against Animals Rising, This Forensic Vet Seeks Justice.