Jorja Fox, who plays Sarah on "CSI", is an animal advocate, and vegetarian just like the character she plays. Last night on "Bones," we saw vegan Emily Deschanel's character start to make a similar welcome transition. How topical therefore, today, to see the story headed, "This crime scene team exposes animal cruelty; Investigators apply human techniques" in this country's most widely distributed newspaper, USA Today,
(October 10, Pg. 13D)
The article, by Sharon Peters, tells us:
"Forensic crime-scene investigations are no longer limited to human victims. Many of the very same techniques brought to public awareness by the popular CSI television series are being used to make cases against those who have harmed or killed cats, dogs, horses and other animals."
We read about the "recently formed Veterinary Forensics unit of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" which includes veterinarian Melinda Merck, and Randall Lockwood who "has a doctorate in psychology and has developed expertise in cruelty and violence."
We learn that "They travel the country to investigate crimes against animals" and are "regularly called on to offer expert testimony in court...."
There is a nice quote from Merck:
"Animal cases are similar to crimes against young children who can't speak for themselves. You have to use every resource and every investigative tool to attempt to put together the pieces of the puzzle."
We also learn that the ASPCA will soon bring out "the nation's only animal crime-scene van" with "X-ray machines, computers, examination tables, and cameras and video equipment for documenting evidence."
The article discusses the "Battered pet" syndrome, which is similar to, and often linked to, other domestic violence situations.
You will find the whole article on line at
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-10-09-veterinary-forensics_N.htm
It presents a wonderful opportunity for animal friendly letters to the editor. You may wish to write in appreciation of the move towards animal cruelty cases being taken so seriously. Or you may wish to explore some of the horrendous animal cruelty that is legal in this country -- on factory farms or in cosmetic testing laboratories for example.
USA Today takes letters at http://tinyurl.com/cee7y
Please be sure not to use any exact comments or phrases from me or from any other alerts in your letters. Editors are looking for original responses from their readers.
Yours and the animals',
Karen Dawn
(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)
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Date: Wed Oct 10 18:05:43 2007
