Discover the Power of DNA in Animal Crime Investigations at AWSELVA’s Veterinary Forensics Conference will be held on Tuesday March 19th in The Mary Brancker Room at 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ.
Join us for exciting presentations from world-class experts in a friendly atmosphere and a chance to discuss forensics over a delicious lunch! Meet the speakers, make new connections and explore the use of DNA analysis in bringing justice to animals.
The conference programme is as follows:
10.00-10.30 – Arrival and coffee/tea
10.30-11.15 – “DNA: Silk purse or sow’s ear?” – Dr Simon Newbery, BSc(hons), BVetMed, MSc (Forensic Science) MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon, Forensic Scientist, Veterinary Forensics Consultant to the National Crime Agency, United Kingdom. Abstract: While DNA analysis can be a powerful tool in animal investigations by forensic veterinarians, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages when utilising it in a case. Also, what practical alternatives can be used by the Forensic Veterinarian?
11.30-12.15 – “DNA use in Canadian animal cruelty cases” – Dr Margaret Doyle, BSc, MVB, MSc, MRCVS, Forensic Veterinarian, VCA Canada Riverbend Animal Hospital, Canada.
Abstract: Dr Doyle will present case examples illustrating DNA evidence used in animal cruelty investigations in Canada. Utilization of DNA can successfully establish the breeding and origin of animals abandoned in distress, as well as identify species in illegal poaching. The use of DNA to definitively tie an animal to a crime scene assists in proving legal care and control of animal victims of violence in urban settings. These cases will illustrate a variety of scenarios utilizing DNA to identify animal victims, both living and deceased, and human perpetrators of abuse.
12.30-13.15 – Buffet lunch
13.30-14.15 – “The canine DNA Recovery Project: current findings and next steps” – Dr Nicholas Dawnay, BSc, PhD, MSc, senior lecturer at School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom. Abstract: The Canine DNA Recovery Project (CDnaRP) is a collaborative forensic project that aims to develop best practice methods for the collection and analysis of dog DNA recovered from attacked livestock and wildlife.
14.30-15.15 – “The use of DNA profiling in livestock crime investigations” – Dr Richard Ellis, DPhil, head of Genome Analysis, Animal and Plant Health Agency, United Kingdom.
15.30-16.00 – coffee/tea break
16.00-17.00 – Q&A session with the panel.
17.00 – Close
The day-long event, which is open to all AWSELVA and non-AWSELVA members, is aimed at veterinary professionals, scientists, law enforcement officers, animal-related charities and anyone else who is interested in finding out more about this fascinating subject.
To book your tickets, please visit the AWSELVA website.
