ABSTRACT
Humane societies and animal control agencies generally have rescue groups and veterinarians available to process pets efficiently. The presence of livestock species in cruelty, hoarding, and neglect cases changes the logistics of animal seizures with regard to identification, evidence collection, documentation, and transport for treatment or foster care. Safety for the animals and personnel is a persistent concern. Interactions with large animal livestock species can be dangerous. Plan the scene assessment from the animals in poorest health to the animals in the best condition to facilitate triage, euthanasia decisions, or transport of critically ill individuals. The facility should be willing and able to perform a complete forensic necropsy in the event of death of any of the animals in the care. Large animal veterinarians commonly restrict their practice and continuing education to one species or agricultural activity. Necropsy of deceased animals should be performed by a veterinarian experienced with that species or by a veterinary pathologist.
