What is the role of the veterinarian in a prosecution for cruelty to animals? This comprehensive introduction to the field is required reading for animal shelter, veterinary, investigative, and law enforcement professionals. In February 2007 Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty won the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) Best General Reference Book: 2006 category and was named Dogwise Best Book of 2006! In March 2007, coauthor Melinda Merck, D.V.M., was profiled in People magazine's "Animal CSI." ...A major contribution to humane work and the prevention of all forms of family violence. ...Should help break down some of the ...barriers that have precluded many veterinarians from being more proactive in the fight against animal abuse and neglect.... --Phil Arko, The Latham Letter, Winter 2007 Cruelty investigators and shelter veterinarians who take their jobs seriously will read Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty cover to cover, then wear it to tatters re-reading and referencing it....The information within it can save the cover cost many times over.... --Merritt Clifton, Animal People, March 2007 A comprehensive introduction to the emerging field of veterinary forensic investigation....An invaluable resource for animal shelters and investigative and law enforcement professionals. --The Forensic Examiner, Spring 2007 Leslie Sinclair, D.V.M., is a principle with Shelter Veterinary Services in Columbia, Maryland. She is the former director, Companion Animal Veterinary Issues, for The Humane Society of the United States and former chief veterinarian for the Houston (Texas) SPCA. Melinda Merck, D.V.M., is the veterinary forensic consultant for the Fulton County District Attorney s Office in Atlanta, Georgia. She also conducts veterinary forensic examinations for Gwinnett County Animal Control and Cobb County Animal Control (Georgia). She is vice president of veterinary and forensic affairs for Georgia Legal Professionals for Animals. She is the owner of The Cat Clinic Roswell (Georgia). Randall Lockwood, Ph.D., is senior vice president for anti-cruelty initiatives and training for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City. He is the former vice president, Research and Educational Outreach, for The Humane Society of the United States. He is the co-editor (with Frank Ascione) of Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence (Purdue University Press).