The ASPCA Veterinary Forensic Science Center in Gainesville, opened in late 2020, marks five years as the nation's first multidisciplinary animal-forensics lab. Staffed by veterinary and crime-scene specialists in a 3,000 sq ft facility, the team provides free forensic exams, necropsies and on-scene support for agencies nationwide and serves as expert witnesses in court. The lab has handled major investigations — including a 4,000-bird case — and partners with FIU on a PSM in Veterinary Forensic Science to grow expertise and community capacity.
Five Years On: Gainesville’s ASPCA Forensic Lab Boosts Animal-Crime Investigations Nationwide
Dr. Elizabeth Pearlman is seen handling a neglect case involving a dog in Texas in 2023.
The ASPCA Veterinary Forensic Science Center in Gainesville is marking its fifth anniversary after opening in late 2020 as the nation's first multidisciplinary forensic laboratory dedicated to animal-crime investigations. In a compact 3,000-square-foot facility, the center combines veterinary medicine and crime-scene science to support law enforcement and animal-control agencies across the country.
What the Lab Does
Staffed by four forensic veterinarians, a forensic veterinary technician and two certified crime-scene analysts, the center provides free services including live animal forensic examinations, on-scene crime response, necropsies and excavation support. The team also travels nationwide for complex, high-profile cases and regularly serves as expert witnesses in local, state and federal courts.
Impact and Notable Cases
The lab has assisted agencies in multiple states, including Texas, California and Massachusetts, and contributed to one large investigation involving roughly 4,000 birds in upstate New York tied to cockfighting. As demand has grown, staff say there are times when they must temporarily pause accepting new cases; when that happens the ASPCA can help agencies advance investigations through grant funding.
"We've grown so much that our caseload has increased to the point where we sometimes have to pause accepting cases," said forensic veterinary technician Alison Kennedy-Benson. "When that happens, grant money helps agencies keep investigations moving forward."
Challenges and Procedures
Investigators follow consistent forensic procedures across all cases. For example, forensic veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Pearlman recounted a Florida investigation where thorough examination found no evidence of sexual abuse of a chicken; later, investigators learned the allegation was part of a pattern of false accusations during a divorce.
Legal complications often arise over ownership: seized animals remain legally owned property unless an owner surrenders them or a judge rules otherwise, which means the lab cannot immediately place animals for adoption. Because the Gainesville center cannot house live animals, seized animals are transported to an ASPCA care facility in Ohio until their legal status is resolved.
Community and Educational Outreach
Despite the emotional demands of the work, team members say the job is deeply rewarding: animals receive medical care, safe housing and attention even when permanent placement is not possible. The lab has strengthened partner agencies' capacity to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty.
In 2023 the ASPCA partnered with Florida International University to launch a Professional Science Master's (PSM) degree in Veterinary Forensic Science to expand training and professional development in this emerging field.
To report suspected animal cruelty or learn how to recognize it, visit aspca.org/fightcruelty.
