NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF ANIMAL ABUSE
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Archived Courses
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2013 Webinars
Cases of Animal Abuse: The Role of the Forensic Veterinarian
May 2013
Presenter: Dr. Rachel Touroo, DVM, Director of Veterinary Forensics, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty
Length: 1 hour
Veterinary forensics is a recently emerging branch of veterinary medicine. Learn about the critical role veterinarians play in animal abuse cases. In some ways, the role of the forensic veterinarian can be compared to that of a human medical examiner, however the duties of a forensic veterinarian are broader — they include the triage of live victims, examination and treatment of live victims, necropsy of deceased victims, evidence identification, and assessment of the scene and its effects on the victims. The forensic veterinarian can also be an invaluable resource in the evaluation of evidence and crime scene reconstruction. Those investigating and prosecuting crimes against animals will benefit from learning about the role a forensic veterinarian can play in the case. This free 60-minute session is part of the Prosecuting Animal Cruelty webinar series.
Animal Welfare Court: The Development of a Specialty Court Focused on Animal Abuse Cases
April 2013
Presenters: Judge Maria Felix, Kendrick Wilson (Deputy County Attorney) and Adam Rossi (Deputy County Attorney) from Pima County, Arizona
Length: 1 Hour
It is well documented that animal cruelty can be an indicator of future dangerous behavior. These cases may require unique intervention in order to ensure that the cycle is broken. Unfortunately, the high volume of misdemeanor cases handled in many courts prevents misdemeanor animal cruelty cases from being given the attention they require. What if you could create a specialty court to handle animal cruelty cases in your jurisdiction? Learn how a judge and a deputy county attorney in Pima County, Arizona, developed an Animal Welfare Court. Find out how they did it and how they ensured all stakeholders were included in their process. See how they collaborated with a local mental health treatment agency so defendants can be required to participate in an animal cruelty specific treatment model called AniCare.
Unique Aspects of Processing Animal Crime Scenes
March 2013
Presenter: Amanda Fitch, M.S., CCSA, Forensic Analyst, University of Florida/ASPCA
Length: 1 Hour
In recent years, the laws pertaining to animal cruelty have evolved significantly to include misdemeanor and felony level offenses. Because these convictions can carry significant sentences, judges and juries want to see the same standard of evidence handling and processing that would be applied to human cases. In order to meet this need, criminal animal case processing is evolving to include forensic testing, as well as specialized techniques and protocols. While many of the same forensic procedures used for human crime scenes can also be used on animal crime scenes, many prosecutors, investigators, and crime scene analysts are unfamiliar with evidence processing related to animal crimes, including the animals themselves (and sometimes hundreds of them). We will discuss why it may be necessary to adapt standard crime scene processing procedures when using them on an animal crime scene and especially before the scene processing begins. We will talk about necessary documentation and the types of evidence that are often associated with hoarding scenes, puppy mills, and fighting rings.
Blood “Sports”:
Investigating and Prosecuting Animal Fighting Cases
February 2013
Presenter: Geoff Fleck (Criminal Justice Program Contract Attorney, Animal Legal Defense Fund)
Length: 1 hour
Explore the horrific and clandestine world of animal fighting through the experienced eyes of a former prosecutor. Geoff Fleck will discuss specialized investigative techniques including effective warrant application and execution, the evidence to look for and seize, and trial strategies designed to insure a successful outcome in these often difficult cases. The session will address the challenges investigators and prosecutors are likely to face – including cultural and evidentiary hurdles. Fleck will emphasize the importance of aggressive prosecutions and harsh sentences – to not only insure a just verdict for the tragically exploited non-human animals involved, but the related crimes and human violence that inevitably result from the cruel abomination of organized animal fighting.
Presenters: Deborah Jugan, Assistant District Attorney Allegheny County (Pennsylvania) and Dr. Lawrence Gerson (veterinarian)
Length: 1 hour
Prosecuting an animal abuse case is often a complicated, difficult experience. The law is continually changing and emotions sometimes run high in the local community as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. During this time, surviving animals remain very much in need of veterinary care and shelter or foster care, as well as positive socialization with human beings and animals. Recovery for abused animals is essential to successful completion of the case, but many states do not make provisions for such care.
AAARF! (Allegheny Abused Animal Relief Fund!) was conceived by ADA Deborah Jugan a decade ago to provide financial care for abused animals in Allegheny County, PA, animal cruelty cases. With the help of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. and Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinsten, AAARF! was created and thrived. A 501(c)(3) organization, AAARF! has raised well over a million dollars in funds dedicated for the care and recovery of abused animals in Allegheny County.
Learn how and why AAARF! was needed, the obstacles overcome in its creation, and how animal abuse prosecutors can establish an AAARF!-type fund in their own jurisdictions to ensure that the victims of animal abuse return to health and regain their rightful place as beloved and loyal pets.
2012 Webinars
Handling Community Reaction to Animal Abuse
December 2012
Presenter: Allie Phillips, Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse at the National District Attorneys Association
Length: 1 Hour
Anyone who is involved in investigating and prosecuting animal abuse cases, and being responsible for the care of the animals, knows how passionately a community responds to these crimes. Depending on your response, you could be hailed a hero or you could experience your worst professional nightmare. A dismissive or sloppy investigation or prosecution, mass euthanasia of the animal victims, or ignoring the community response could negatively affect your job and the position of your elected boss.
This free, 60-minute webinar discusses:
- how to effectively handle animal abuse cases from a communications perspective
- how investigators and prosecutors can (and should) work together with animal advocates and the community
- how to address positive and negative media response
- how to build support in your community to spread a preventative message on animal abuse
Our presenter, Allie Phillips, has been a front-line trial prosecutor, animal rescuer, animal shelter volunteer, and now views these issues from a national perspective. Prosecutors, animal welfare professionals, and law enforcement will especially benefit from this webinar.
This webinar is part of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse/ASPCA webinar series.
Understanding Animal Abuse
November 2012
Presenter: Dr. Clif Flynn, Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Women’s Studies at the University of South Carolina Upstate
Length: 1 Hour
Clifton P. Flynn, PhD, will examine cruelty to animals, focusing largely on the social and cultural factors that help us explain it. Drawing on information from his new book, Understanding Animal Abuse: A Sociological Analysis, Dr. Flynn will examine why animal abuse is worthy of serious consideration by researchers and policymakers. We will discuss social factors that are related to the abuse of animals, arguing that individual or psychopathological explanations of animal abuse – while appealing – are insufficient if we want to truly understand and reduce violence to animals. Dr. Flynn will focus on predictors of childhood animal abuse and examine pet abuse in the lives of battered women. We will identify characteristics of offenders, plus explore the roles of gender, power, and control in making sense out of the relationship between violence to animals and to humans. Dr. Flynn will also provide a review of legal policies and recommendations.
Anticipating Defenses in Animal Abuse Prosecutions
October 2012
Presenter: Diane Balkin, Contract Attorney with Animal Legal Defense Fund (retired Denver Deputy District Attorney)
Length: 1 Hour
Part of the prosecution strategy in any criminal trial is to anticipate the defense. There are certain defenses common to all types of crimes such as self-defense, identification, lack of intent, etc. Crimes against animals also involve more unique defense tactics and statutorily available defenses. It is critical for the prosecutor to carefully analyze his or her case to determine the strengths and weaknesses. The facts may be weak with strong witnesses or the reverse may be true. In this free, 60-minute webinar, Diane Balkin, a contract attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program, will discuss the most common defenses in animal cruelty cases and how to prepare for them.
Combating Animal Cruelty: The Past, Present and Future
September 2012
Presenter: Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President of Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects, ASPCA
Length: 1 hour
Review the history of efforts to fight animal abuse and neglect in America from the early days of animal protection to today. The last decade has seen a dramatic improvement in laws protecting animals and the tools available to investigate and prosecute such crimes. There has also been increased attention to animals as victims of crimes, and the need to not only document the impact of abuse and neglect on animal victims but to also make efforts to undo the damage that may have been done.
We will review current trends in animal law, the role of professionals and individuals in applying those laws, and the public's role in continuing to strengthen and enforce animal protection.
Planning for a Large Scale Seizure
August 2012
Presenter: Joel Lopez, Sr. Manager of Operations, Field Investigations and Response, ASPCA
Length: 1 hour
Responding to hoarding and other cases that involve large numbers of animals requires comprehensive planning. These cases involve medically and behaviorally compromised animals, often incorporate multiple agencies, generate increased media attention, and require extensive resources. This webinar will provide an overview of the areas that should be considered in the planning process and key issues relevant to responding to large scale animal seizures.
Trial Strategies in Animal Cruelty Prosecutions
July 2012
Presenter: Geoff Fleck, Esq., Animal Legal Defense Fund
Length: 1 hour
This webinar will discuss specialized techniques for successfully prosecuting animal cruelty cases. Learn about jury selection, opening statements, presenting the state's case, cross-examining the defendant, and making an effective closing argument. You will learn how a successful strategy begins long before the case gets to court, and how precise pre-trial investigation and clever motion practice can promote a winning outcome. The presenter will describe the nuances of evidentiary and legal tactics that can make a prosecutor's case and insure a just verdict for the vulnerable, voiceless, victims he or she represents.
Presenter: Scott Heiser, Esq., Animal Legal Defense Fund
Length: 1 hour
This one hour talk by Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Scott Heiser will cover a host of factual and legal issues relevant to any puppy mill case, including:
- an overview of the USDA’s regulatory impact on these types of cases;
- a discussion of the unique issues that must be addressed in drafting state court search warrant affidavits;
- an outline of the key components of a thorough investigation;
- a review of the enforcement and charging options that exist outside of the animal cruelty code; and
- an overview of the issues attendant to the pre-trial transfer of ownership of the victim animals.
Psychological Aspects of Maltreated Animals
April 2012
Presenter: Franklin D. McMillan, DVM, DACVIM, Director of Well-Being Studies at Best Friends Animal Society.
Length: 1 hour
The physical aspects of abuse and neglect in animals are relatively well characterized – they can be seen outwardly in the form of body condition and physical scars. But researchers in child abuse now consider the psychological and emotional consequences of abuse and neglect to be more damaging, and last for much longer, than the physical consequences. And yet in both children and animals, the physical aspects of abuse provoke the greatest outrage and attention among the scientific as well as the general community.
What is known about the psychological effects of abuse and neglect in animals? Can the effects be readily recognized? How damaging is it? How is it treated? Is this the reason some animals "snap" and become suddenly violent? Equally important, are there psychological factors that increase the chances of being abused – do certain psychological traits place an animal at risk for abuse? This knowledge may permit intervention that prevents, rather than treats, abuse and neglect of animals.
Foreclosure Pets:
Investigating and Prosecuting Animal Abandonment
March 2012
Presenter: Allie Phillips, Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse
Length: 1 hour
Companion animals are the silent victims of the continuing financial downturn. While record-number of companion animals are being surrendered to animal shelters across the U.S., far too many are being abandoned in- or outside of their foreclosed homes, most often without sufficient food, water or shelter. This results in real estate and foreclosure professionals finding abandoned pets (some deceased) inside foreclosed homes or locked in outdoor kennels. This webinar will discuss investigating the foreclosure pet case, including tips on proper legal procedures for seizing abandoned pets, and the issues that may arise when determining whether to prosecute and how to prosecute these cases.
Non-Human DNA in Criminal Cases
February 2012
Presenter: Mitch Morrissey, Denver District Attorney
Length: 1 hour
Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey will highlight several fascinating cases in which the use of DNA technology has aided in the successful prosecution of poachers, smugglers, rapists and murderers. From protected species to major caviar busts, Mr. Morrissey will explain how non-human biological samples collected by law enforcement all over the world have helped thwart some of the most heinous crimes. As a leading expert on the use of DNA in the courtroom, Mr. Morrissey is well-versed on leveraging critical DNA evidence to stop cruel practices and exonerate both human and animal “perpetrators.”
The AniCare Approach for Treating Animal Abuse:
What it is and how you can use it
January 2012
Presenters: Dr. Kenneth Shapiro and Beatrice Friedlander, J.D. (Animals & Society Institute)
Length: 1 hour
In 1998, California became the first of now 32 states allowing a judge to order those convicted of animal abuse to undergo psychological assessment and treatment as part of the sentence. In response, the Animals and Society Institute developed the AniCare approach to assure the training of human service providers prepared to work with both adults and juveniles convicted of animal abuse. Since then, we have worked to supply trained therapists by conducting over 60 workshops around the country. We have created a demand for use of the AniCare model by working with law enforcement, animal advocates and those in the criminal justice system to let them know about the availability of a treatment model specifically designed for animal abusers. In this webinar you will learn about the goals and approach of the AniCare model and how it can be a useful resource in your work with people who abuse animals and in animal cruelty cases.
2011 Webinars
The Veterinarian as an Expert Witness
December 2011
Presenters: Diane Balkin, Animal Legal Defense Fund and Dr. Rob Reisman, ASPCA.
Length: 1 hour
Veterinarians play a crucial role in identifying, reporting, and testifying in animal cruelty cases. This free, 60-minute webinar, especially for veterinarians and others involved in prosecuting animal cruelty cases, will:
- Focus on the veterinarian’s role in the investigation and criminal prosecution of animal abuse
- Discuss laws pertaining to mandatory reporting by veterinarians
- Give practical suggestions about what a veterinarian should do if abuse is suspected
- Cover areas that a veterinarian typically may be called upon to testify about, such as cause of death, whether an animal felt pain, and whether an animal’s emaciated state is due to due to starvation or a chronic medical condition
- Provide tips for prosecutors to better prepare a veterinarian to testify
The Linkages Between Violence to Animals and People: Investigating, Prosecuting, and Protecting Families and Animals
November 2011
Presenter: Allie Phillips, Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse and Deputy Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse, at the National District Attorneys Association
Length: 1 hour
This webinar will explain the research and theories behind the linkage of violence to animals and people. Investigation and prosecution strategies on handling Link crimes will be discussed, as well as: understanding the importance of pets in American households and how they can become targets of abuse; the psychological impact of animal abuse on children; including animal protection in your multi-disciplinary team to better prevent, investigate and cross-report all forms of abuse; talking to maltreated children about animals; and practical tips on how to help abused families with pets.
Prosecuting Animal Hoarding: Why, When and How
October 2011
Presented by: Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President of Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects at ASPCA
Length: 1 hour
Animal hoarding cases represent a significant proportion of animal abuse and severe neglect cases. These cases present several unique challenges to those who investigate and prosecute animal cruelty. The issues that prosecutors must deal with can include: Elderly, often sympathetic defendants; Defendants with one or more serious mental disorders, often undiagnosed, that may or may not affect competency to stand trial; Defendants who may be associated with so-called “rescue” organizations, with or without appropriate IRS status, and who may have many outspoken supporters; The presence of other non-animal offenses, including fraud, theft, tax violations and offenses related to the presence of children or dependent adults in poor living conditions; and much more. This webinar will review each of these issues and examples of successful and unsuccessful prosecutions with recommendations for best practices for preventing and responding to hoarding issues at the community level.
Tackling the Prosecution of Animal Abuse Head-On
September 2011
Presented by: Allie Phillips, Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse, a program of the National District Attorneys Association
Length: 1 hour
This webinar discusses why NCPAA was formed, and services and resources available to prosecutors and allied professionals. This webinar delves into the linkages between violence to people and animals to show how when animals are abused, communities are not safe. This webinar is primarily for prosecutors and law enforcement interested in or handling animal abuse cases; however, it is relevant to animal control and humane investigators, veterinarians, shelter staff and rescue organization volunteers.
