Veterinarians and Their Perception of the Treatment of Animal Abuse Cases in the Criminal Justice System

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

This research explores veterinarians' experiences with animal abuse and their perceptions of the criminal justice system’s treatment of animal abuse. Specifically, the researcher hoped to learn whether veterinarians believe the criminal justice system appropriately handles cases of animal abuse. Veterinarians are uniquely positioned within society to champion for a population that the criminal justice system has historically failed to protect. Understanding how they view the response to animal abuse and what they believe an appropriate response consists of is imperative to effectively combat the issue. Convenience sampling was employed in recruitment efforts, and semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts were used to develop a coding key: recurring themes were identified and coded. The data revealed that neglect was the form of abuse veterinarians encountered most frequently; however, animal abuse was rarely encountered. Every participant that interacted with the criminal justice system was left unsatisfied with the outcome, wishing that something more would have been done. Numerous suggestions were offered regarding how the justice system could combat animal abuse more effectively, but, generally, participants simply want animal abuse to be taken seriously.

Author

• Dustin Richardson, University of South Florida