CPD for Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses: The Forensic Process e-Learning

Our unique online and interactive CPD courses:

• Veterinary Surgeons (16 hours £329 + VAT)
• Veterinary Nurses (8 hours £249 + VAT)

The Forensic Process aims to prepare veterinary staff for the possibility of forensic involvement in animal abuse and welfare cases, across the two main strands of exposure: formal referral and in-practice concerns.

Watch the VS Course introductory video for more details. (Don’t worry, the human body is a model!)

Learning Outcomes

During the course, participants will:

1. Explore the role of veterinary professionals by studying a range of real animal welfare investigations.
2. Review specific sections of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including how to define suffering, the appropriate use of Veterinary Certificates under the Act, and the seizure and possession of animals.
3. Learn how to demonstrate a secure chain of custody at all times, even when handling living or dead, animals.
4. Create a forensic casefile, which includes the clinical examination of an animal, their surroundings and the recovery of appropriate evidential material.
5. Study an in-Practice case of non-accidental injury, with advice on how to tackle issues of client confidentiality and reporting concerns.
6. Evaluate the similarities and differences between veterinary and forensic roles and responsibilities. 
7. Examine the links between animal abuse and human abuse.
8. Appraise the contribution that traditional forensic specialists can bring to welfare investigations, including how to recognise and recover appropriate samples.

The course is facilitated by Samantha Pickles and David Martin with contributions from experts across a range of disciplines.

Dr Samantha Pickles, BSc (Hons) MSc PGCE MCSFS FLS FRES, Lead Forensic Scientist with Forensic Access.

Samantha has been a forensic scientist since 2002 and has been cross-trained within Biology, Drugs and Ecology departments. She has conducted hundreds of laboratory, scene and mortuary examinations. With extensive casework experience across a range of forensic and medical case types, she is regularly involved in multi-disciplinary investigations and delivering forensic training for professional practice.

Dr David Martin BVSc MRCVS, Clinical Director of the Brownlow Veterinary Group.

Dave graduated from Liverpool University in 1997 and became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons during the same year. He joined the Brownlow Veterinary Group in 2004 and has a heavy workload as an Expert Witness, alongside clinical duties involving small and large animals.

Register using the form on the right and we'll be in touch to organise enrolment and payment.

Contact us if you have any questions