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Additionally, veterinarians are bound by a professional code of ethics and encouraged by professional organizations to report animal cruelty. Veterinarians have specialized knowledge that can aid in the collection of medically relevant evidence during the investigation. This responsibility can range from simply providing medical records detailing the condition of the animal to performing a complete necropsy and crime scene investigation. Animal cruelty cases are difficult to prosecute in part because the animal victim is incapable of describing the severity and duration of pain it has experienced and in part because typically few, if any, witnesses can substantiate the charge. Veterinarians, however, can conduct physical examinations, collect evidence at the scene, run laboratory tests, and perform necropsies that can provide vital information. Veterinarians play an important role as expert witnesses when animal cruelty cases go to trial. Veterinarians are regarded as an authority on animal health, and as such, they are in a position to issue a professional opinion as to whether an animal has been injured or is in pain. In this way, veterinarians have the professional knowledge to clarify the vague terminology used in animal cruelty laws. Conclusion Crimes against humans are handled differently, compared with crimes against animals. The criminal justice system allows for the involvement of multiple specialized professionals in the forensic investigations of crimes against humans. In contrast, no supporting specialists investigate animal abuse cases. Although every state has laws in place to protect animals from cruelty, there remains a critical need for professionals trained to support enforcement of these laws. Police and humane law enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing the law and making arrests, but there must also be sufficient evidence to take a case to trial.

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