John E. Cooper & Margaret E. Cooper 
Introduction to Veterinary and Comparative Forensic Medicine 

Introduction to Veterinary and Comparative Forensic Medicine is a
ground-breaking book in an emerging new speciality. It reflects the
increasing demand for expert opinion by veterinarians and others in
courts of law and elsewhere on such matters as:

· wildlife conservation,

· welfare of, and alleged cruelty to, animals,

· insurance, certification and malpractice

· the identification of live and dead species or their
derivatives.

It also discusses and analyses current concern over possible
links between domestic violence and abuse of animals. Throughout
the book the emphasis is on the need for a systematic and thorough
approach to forensic work. A particular feature is practical
advice, with protocols on dealing with common problems, together
with case studies, various appendices and an extensive
bibliography.

A vital reference for members of the veterinary profession,
lawyers, enforcement bodies and welfare and conservation
organisations. The comparative aspects provide an important source
of information for those working in human forensic medicine and the
biological sciences.

Table of Content

Dedication.

Foreword.

Authors’ Preface.

Part I: Introduction:.

1. What is forensic medicine?.

2. The special features of veterinary and comparative forensic
medicine.

3. The importance and application of animal law.

Part II: Particular Types of Case:.

4. Animal welfare.

5. Conservation and wildlife crime.

Part III: Methodology:.

6. Clinical work.

7. Post-mortem examinations.

8. Laboratory investigations.

9. Site visits and collection of evidence.

10. Collation and analysis of findings and record-keeping.

11. Storage, labelling and presentation of material.

12. Serving as a witness and appearing in court.

13. The future.

Appendix A. Submission and report forms – carcasses,
tissues and laboratory samples.

Appendix B. Useful addresses and sources of information.

Appendix C. Glossary of terms.

Appendix D. Some case studies, demonstrating approach and
techniques.

Appendix E. Journals, societies and organisations.

Appendix F. Scientific names of species in text.

References and Further Reading.

Index

About the author

John and Margaret Cooper are a husband and wife team, from the
United Kingdom. John E Cooper trained as a veterinary surgeon and
is now a specialist pathologist with particular interests in
wildlife and exotic species, tropical diseases and comparative
medicine. Margaret E Cooper is a lawyer who trained originally as a
British solicitor and has made the study of animal and conservation
law her special interest.

The Coopers have travelled widely and lectured together in many
countries. They have spent nearly ten years living in Africa,
including a period in Rwanda working with the mountain gorillas.
They are currently based at the University of the West Indies in
Trinidad and Tobago where they continue to combine their medical
and legal backgrounds in the promotion of an interdisciplinary
approach to veterinary and biological education, wildlife
conservation and forensic science.