ONTARIO – Veterinary forensics may sound like something out of a TV crime show, but for Dr. Shane Bateman and Equine Guelph director Gayle Ecker, it’s a crucial, real-world tool to improve animal welfare, particularly for horses.
Thanks to a Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) mini-grant, the two have teamed up to launch a unique educational initiative that aims to give veterinarians the knowledge and confidence they need to take an active role in identifying and responding to cases of animal cruelty and neglect.
The project was born from a shared passion.
Bateman, an Ontario Veterinary College associate professor who has a background in forensic science and veterinary medicine, had long wanted to apply his expertise to a practical cause.
Ecker, who has been deeply involved in equine welfare education through Equine Guelph, was all too familiar with the gaps in the system.
They connected through CCSAW and quickly realized the potential to collaborate.
“Veterinary forensics is still a new discipline,” stated Bateman in a press release.
“And most of the literature and training out there focuses on small animals.
“But horses play a role in so many industries and activities – they’re often left out of the conversation.”
When harm is identified and reported, other parts of the system – law enforcement, animal welfare inspectors, and Crown attorneys – often lack the specialized training needed to properly investigate and prosecute such cases, the release stated.
“If we want to move the needle we need everyone involved in the process to be educated and prepared,” Bateman added.
Batemen and Ecker are concerned that while vets are well-trained in diagnosing medical issues, they’re not always confident or equipped to recognize the signs of intentional harm, to distinguish it from accidents or to know how to navigate the complex legal channels that follow.
“In many cases, harm goes unreported – or gets lost in a confusing patchwork of provincial and federal laws,” the release stated.
That’s where the CCSAW funding comes in. The funding has allowed the team to hire Gabriela Rosa, a third-year veterinary student with a strong interest in equine welfare.
“She’ll be instrumental in helping design and deliver the new educational offerings,” officials stated.
The plan is to begin with a free, two-hour online webinar that introduces veterinarians to the fundamentals of veterinary forensic science and animal law, particularly as it applies to equine cases.
The goal is to “hook” participants, spark their interest and motivate them to take the next step: a full-day, in-person workshop in Guelph that will offer hands-on, scenario-based training.
This approach builds on successful past experiences.
Equine Guelph and Bateman have already piloted mock crime scenes and forensic science training in Bateman’s elective courses for veterinary students – something he says was “hugely popular.”
Ecker, too, brings years of experience developing training programs for animal cruelty investigators, both through the Ontario SPCA and later with the Solicitor General’s office, officials say.
But this new project is about more than training a few individuals – it’s about changing a culture, officials stated.
“There’s still a reluctance among some vets to get involved in legal cases,” Ecker stated.
“But a lot of that stems from fear of the unknown. Once they’re trained and have the tools, they’re much more willing to step up and be part of the team.”
While the initial focus is local, the team hopes the training materials and workshops can be adapted and delivered across Canada – and even beyond.
And while this project focuses on horses, the same forensic principles can apply to cases involving cattle, poultry and companion animals.
For now, the team is focused on launching the first phase this summer.
If all goes well, a fall workshop will follow.
“It’s very much a ‘build it and they will come’ situation,” stated Bateman.
“With any luck, this project will help more vets recognize when an animal is in trouble, and give them the tools to bring justice,” officials stated.
