Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Animal Welfare > Animal Abuse > Veterinarians as Expert Witnesses > Tips on Writing Reports

Talk to the prosecuting agency in advance regarding the format of the report.
Often preliminary and final reports are required. The preliminary report should not include conclusions as this may contradict the findings in the final report. If your interpretation changes, you should provide the rationale.
The final report should classify the injury or death as accidental, non accidental, natural or undetermined.
The final report will include all the laboratory reports and other clinical data, radiographs and other imaging.
Include in your report

Your qualifications
- Indicate that you are a duly qualified veterinarian licensed to practice within your province.
- Include a statement of your qualifications including particulars such as your education, training, fellowship, specialties, years in practice and type of practice. It may be convenient for you to attach a current curriculum vitae to your report.
A brief statement outlining the purpose of the report
Facts and assumptions
- Clearly state the key facts and assumptions to support your opinion.
  - Eg. Water dishes absent, no feed available to animals
- Consider including a separate list of facts and assumptions corresponding to your various opinions (diagnosis, causation, prognosis).
Opinion

Clearly state your opinion along with your analysis and reasoning.
Include an opinion on whether the animal had to be removed, if relevant.
Link your opinion to definitions contained in relevant federal or provincial legislation. For instance, it is common for legislation to mention ‘distress’ or ‘suffering’. If for example, an animal was severely matted, make a direct link in your report between the facts and the legislation wording, such as:

- The patient’s coat was completely matted, restricting natural movement, defecation, and urination. In addition, the matting caused severe skin infections. The severe matting resulted in the animal suffering.

Appendices, which may include
- a list of the records that you have reviewed and any comment you may have on those records;
- the results of your examination and/or testing;
- photographs which were taken of the animals; and
- any recommendations for future care.