Thanks to a slew of TV programs about crime scene investigation, more and more people are becoming aware of forensic science. Now C-S-I has moved into the veterinary arena.

Initiatives such as the veterinary forensic program at the University of Florida have joined the American Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in training veterinarians, police officers and animal control agents in the art of gathering evidence. This includes performing necropsies, which is the animal equivalent of an autopsy, and collecting other pieces of evidence needed to prove a case in court.

Stronger anticruelty laws add bite to these efforts, with stiff fines imposed for neglect and jail time for cruelty. The recent high-profile case against NFL quarterback Michael Vick was proved using forensic science.

Chalk one up for McGruff the crime dog.