Melinda Merck, D.V.M.

Senior Director of Veterinary Forensic Science, Anti-Cruelty Initiatives

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Dr. Merck assists investigators of animal cruelty with crime scene investigation as well as the examination of live and deceased victims. She frequently testifies as a forensic veterinary expert for animal cruelty cases around the country, including cases involving animal hoarding, dog fighting and animal torture. She most recently was the veterinary forensics expert on the football player, Michael Vick, dog fighting case. In addition, she

Dr. Merck is the author of the textbook, “Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigation,” by Blackwell Publishing and the co-author of the book “Veterinary Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty: A Guide for Veterinarians and Law Enforcement.” She frequently provides training for veterinary and law enforcement professionals nationwide on the use of veterinary medical knowledge in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases.