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Appendix A
A: Specific Case Protocols

Acknowledging that the investigation and prosecution of differing animal cruelty offenses present unique hallmarks or challenges, Appendix A: Specific Case Protocols is included as a quick reference source. Each protocol is organized by the discipline involved (investigator, animal care entities, veterinarian and prosecutor), and provides in-the-moment advice and reminders specific to that type of animal cruelty case, while cross-referencing recommended forms, checklists, agreements, templates, and resources provided in Appendices B–D. Your purchase of this book includes access to our companion website, which makes these resources available for download and customization. The materials provided in this appendix are not intended to, and do not, constitute legal advice; they are provided for informational purposes and as a reference. 

  • Failure to Provide Veterinary Care

  • Emaciation and Starvation 

  • Animal Hoarding

  • Substandard Breeding or Rescue Operation

  • Blunt Force Trauma – Victim Dies

  • Blunt Force Trauma – Victim Lives 

  • Sharp Force Injuries

  • Gunshot Wounds

  • Mutilated or Skinned Animal

  • Burned Animal – Victim Dies 

  • Burned Animal – Victim Lives

  • Sexual Assault of an Animal

  • Drowning

  • Poisoning

  • Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia

  • Cockfighting 

  • Dogfighting

Appendix B
B: Forms and Checklists

Appendices B - D contain forms, templates, resources, and checklists designed to support and enhance the work of investigators, veterinarians, animal care entities, and prosecutors from the initial investigation through adjudication. Many of these resources were developed after a need was identified for standardization of processes, or thorough collection and organization of information. You may find all or some of them useful in your work, but remember these are resources meant to make your work more manageable and serve as reminders of important information to collect or processes to consider. The forms themselves are not intended to add additional steps that may be unrealistic due to staffing or resources. They are also meant to be amendable, so we encourage you to adapt and transform them to fit your specific needs. Your purchase of this book includes access to our companion website, which makes these resources available for download and customization. The materials provided in these appendices are not intended to, and do not, constitute legal advice; they are provided for informational purposes and as a reference.

  • Minimum Care Checklist

  • Multi-Animal Site Visit Report

  • On Scene Habitat Evaluation

  • Large Animal Premises Inspection Report

  • Action Notice

  • Animal Cruelty Case Consent to Search Form

  • Animal Cruelty Case Relinquishment Form

  • Medical Exam Equipment Checklist

  • Veterinary Forensic Exam Form

  • Game Cock Physical Evaluation Form

  • Necropsy Exam Notes Form

  • Animal Observation Chart (Appetite, Elimination, and Weight)

  • Live Evidence Tracking Form

  • Live Animal Evidence Tracking Continuation Page

  • Nonliving Evidence Tracking Form

  • Nonliving Evidence Tracking Continuation Page

  • Crime Scene Access Log

  • Crime Scene Processing Roles and Responsibilities

  • Evidence Placard

  • Evidence Transport Inventory and Tracker

  • Transport Vehicle Log

  • Case Animal Intake Checklist

  • Affidavit and Search Warrant Drafting Checklist

  • Crime Scene Processing Supply List

  • Camera Log

  • Property in Custody and Evidence Receipt

  • Case Submission Checklist

  • Case Submission Inventory

  • Case Timeline

  • Witness List

Appendix C
C: Templates and Agreements

  • Memorandum of Understanding Template

  • Communications–Media Policy Template

  • Confidentiality Agreement

  • Protective Custody Foster Care Agreement

  • Sample Veterinary Clinic Reporting Policy/Protocol

  • Summary Vet Report

  • Scene Processing Witness Report

  • Animal Cruelty Affidavit Template

  • Animal Cruelty Search Warrant Template

  • Animal Cruelty Warrant Return Template

  • Bill of Sale and Relinquishment of Animal Ownership Template

  • Forfeiture Petition Template

  • Forfeiture Order Template

  • Lien Foreclosure Notice Document Template

  • Sample Newspaper Notice Ad Template for Lien Foreclosure

  • Script Template for Lien Foreclosure Sale

  • Notice Letter of Future Discovery Template

  • Restitution Cover Letter Template

  • Restitution Waiver Template

  • Request for Live Animal Evidence Disposition Template

D: Resources

  • Investigations Triage Matrix (Example)

  • Guidance for Compliance/Recheck Planning

  • Animal Cruelty Case Field Operations Structure

  • Animal Crime Scene Processing Roles

  • Outline for Conducting Search Warrant Briefing

  • Evidence in Animal Cruelty Cases

  • Examples of On Scene Veterinary Assessments

  • Language Options for Adoption Contracts

  • State Evidence Retention and Disposition Rules

  • Resource List: Grants for Animal Cruelty Case Work

Appendix D
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