Finding justice for the voiceless: How a University of Guelph veterinarian is pioneering a growing field
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Finding justice for the voiceless: How a University of Guelph veterinarian is pioneering a growing field

Published Aug 19, 2025 at 8:00pm

A veterinarian at the University of Guelph has become a pioneer in applying his medical expertise to seek justice for abused animals. Shane Bateman credits a conference with opening his eyes to the connection between animal abuse and human violence. Already experienced in emergency care, Bateman’s work gained new purpose at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, where he established a program in forensic veterinary science.

“Animal welfare is such a core value of most veterinarians. It’s part of why we come to the profession,” Bateman said. He was also a speaker at the 2024 Prosecution of Animal Abuse Conference, where he shared his insights on the subject.