Dr. Shane Bateman, one of only a few veterinarians in Canada trained in forensic veterinary science, is bringing this emerging field to University of Guelph.

Dogs in cardiac arrest. Cats with collapsed lungs. The chaos of the emergency room shaped Dr. Shane Bateman’s early veterinary medicine career. Then, the University of Guelph professor realized that not all stories could be taken at face value.  

Forensic veterinary science — the intersection of veterinary medicine and the justice system — is where medical expertise becomes evidence and testimony. Specialists determine how an animal was harmed, when the injury occurred and whether it was intentional, in order to present their final findings to a judge and jury.  The practice can also support human cases, as a pet’s unexplained injury might be the first piece of visible evidence of family violence.  

“Really, our job is to bring an animal’s story into the courtroom,” Bateman says.  Inside the programming at OVC, Bateman is training the next generation of veterinarians to do just that.  A week-long rotation, offered as an elective to small groups of students, is immersive and intensive, covering everything from non-accidental injuries to how animal welfare laws vary between provinces.  

Bateman is now focused on training practicing veterinarians. He wants to shatter certain myths, particularly the fear that reporting suspected abuse will lead to legal trouble or professional risk.  “Veterinarians are in a powerful position,” he says. “But they need to know what they can do — and that speaking up is both safe and necessary.”