1. Large Animal Cruelty Investigation Training Animal Cruelty Investigation Flow Chart Floron C. Faries, Jr., DVM, MS Professor and Extension Program Leader for Veterinary Medicine Texas AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M System

2. 1.Are dead animals present? YesConsult a local veterinarian for assistance. No Go to step 2. 2.Are ALL animals in abnormal physical condition? Initial Observation of Animals

4. 1.Are dead animals present? YesConsult a local veterinarian for assistance. No Go to step 2. 2.Are ALL animals in abnormal physical condition? Initial Observation of Animals

5. Movement: inability to rise slow to rise swaying walk crippled walk Behavior: drooped head, ears pawing despondent Feet: excessively long hooves foot infections joint, leg swelling Skin: rough, dry hair coat excessive hair loss Physical Examination of Animals

11. Appearance: gaunt, drawn appearance lack of body fat wound(s) with drainage and odor open mouth breathing excessive coughing Discharges: nasal discharge eyes tearing profuse watery diarrhea Vital Signs: pale mucous membranes elevated body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate slow capillary and jugular refill Physical Examination cont’d

13. 1.Are dead animals present? YesConsult a local veterinarian for assistance. No Go to step 2. 2.Are ALL animals in abnormal physical condition? Initial Observation of Animals

14. YesProceed to step 3. No But some animals appear abnormal and others normal. Consult a local veterinarian for assistance. Initial Observation of Animals cont’d

15. Status: Are thin animals old? Are thin animals lactating? Are thin animals being overworked? Are newborn animals not nursing? Causes: infectious diseases metabolic disorders parasitic infestations and infections intoxications Some Abnormal Animals

18. 1.Are dead animals present? YesConsult a local veterinarian for assistance. No Go to step 2. 2.Are ALL animals in abnormal physical condition? Initial Observation of Animals

19. YesProceed to step 3. No But some animals appear abnormal and others normal. Consult a local veterinarian for assistance. Initial Observation of Animals cont’d

20. 3. Are abnormal environmental conditions present? Note: If such conditions are present and animals are required to live for a prolonged period of time therein, such could constitute cruelty. All Abnormal Animals

21. Evaluate Environmental Conditions Facilities: lack of shelter from sun, cold, wind no access to sunlight ongoing muddy conditions absence of drinking water Space: confined, close quarters without ventilation overcrowding small space confinement Sanitation: accumulated animal excrement an excessive foul odor from excrement or carcasses accumulated rodent excrement

23. 3. Are abnormal environmental conditions present? Note: If such conditions are present and animals are required to live for a prolonged period of time therein, such could constitute cruelty. All Abnormal Animals

24. YesConsult a local veterinarian for assistance. NoGo to step 4.

25. 4.All animals in the group exhibit abnormal physical condition but do not appear to be subject to abnormal environmental conditions. Note:Failure to provide an adequate supply of drinking water constitutes animal cruelty. Note:Feeding thin/unthrifty animals at less than maintenance levels constitutes animal cruelty. All Abnormal Animals

26. 4a.Consider dehydration: Is acceptable drinking water present? YesMove on to step 4b. NoIf possible, do the "skin pinch" test to confirm dehydration. Consult a local veterinarian for assistance.

27. All Abnormal Animals 4b. Consider malnutrition: Is forage and/or feed available in sufficient quantity? YesGo to step 5. NoEvaluate pasture/feed situation. Consult a local veterinarian for assistance.

28. Evaluate Pasture accessible ground is bare no grass is available a browse line is apparent on the trees/shrubs bark is missing from trees/fence posts most exposed wood is gnawed

32. Note:The animals without pasture grass must be offered hay and possibly supplemental feed (ex. grain, pellets, cubes, textured feed, sacked feed, etc).

33. Evaluate Feeding Containers Are racks, troughs, pans, buckets and tubs present? Is there evidence they are frequently used? Are they clean? Saliva in the trough indicates hungry animals. Is there evidence that hay is being fed? Horse – at least 1lb hay/100 lb body weight daily Cow – at least 1lb hay/100 lb body weight daily

34. All Animals Abnormal 4b. Is forage and/or feed available in sufficient quantity? YesGo to step 5. NoEvaluate pasture/feed situation. Consult a local veterinarian for assistance.

35. 5.If water and food are provided in ample quantities and the animals do not appear to be subject to abnormal environmental conditions, remaining possibilities include infectious diseases, plant toxins or chemical toxins. Consult a local veterinarian for assistance. All Animals Abnormal

36. Record Local Veterinarian: ________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Date__________________ Time_________________ Location__________________________________________ Animal species_____________________________________ Conclusion________________________________________ Action____________________________________________