From Field to Courtroom: Assessing Cruelty, Building Cases & Testifying

Lunch Included

• Building Probable Cause: Documenting evidence in a cruelty/neglect investigation, from the initial phone call/report through filing charges.
• Distinguishing Levels of Neglect/Cruelty: Determining when cases are educational/correctable versus actionable/criminal, and when to seize the animal.
• Training and Preparation for Being a Court Witness: Best practices for delivering testimony and presenting evidence effectively in court.

Presenters
Madeline Bernstein is the President of SPCA LA and a leading voice in animal welfare, ethics, and law enforcement. She also serves as president of the California Animal Welfare Association and advises on multiple legal and educational committees. An accomplished writer, Bernstein co-authored the law review article Time to Feed the Evidence and authored the book Designer Dogs, an Exposé. A frequent speaker and visiting professor, she is recognized for her advocacy with awards like the Boeing Crystal Vision Award. Before SPCA LA, she served as Deputy Inspector General for NYC Ports and Terminals and as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx. Bernstein holds a law degree from SUNY Buffalo.

Gillian Deegan is the Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney in Botetourt County, VA, specializing in prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect cases. She serves as a resource for law enforcement and prosecutors nationwide and provides training on investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty. Deegan has worked as a Contract Attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund and taught in the Animal CSI Certificate Program. She has held leadership roles, including Vice President of the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force and Board Member of the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association. A member of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys’ Animal Cruelty Advisory Committee, she also advises the American Bloodhound Club and Virginia Bloodhound Search and Rescue Association. Her work has been recognized by organizations such as the National Animal Control Association and the U.S. Marshals Service.

CLASS FULL!

Registration for this class is closed due to capacity.

We are working to build a larger space for future classes!

For questions or to be placed on a waitlist should there be cancellations, please call 301-854-5037 or email

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue 2-Day Awareness & Operations

However, it is possible to provide assistance to animals in many scenarios with field expedient equipment and hand tools. It is the understanding of animal behavior and appropriate use of the animals’ anatomical features that contribute to greater success than knowing how to cut with a tool.

During this one-day awareness and one-day operations course, participants will learn basic concepts in large animal emergency and disaster rescue. Through the use of scenario-based learning, participants will ascertain knowledge and awareness of how to assess a variety of large animal emergency rescue situations.

Course Objectives May Include:
· Identify basic concepts in large animal emergency and disaster rescue.
· Differentiate large animal behavior and senses under normal and stressful conditions.
· Distinguish the roles of the veterinarian, owner, emergency responders, and animal control on the scene.
· Summarize access into horse trailers, confined spaces, and transportation incident prevention.
· Explanation of simple manipulation methods.

The facilitator is Rebecca (Gimenez) Husted, PhD, President of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, Inc. www.TLAER.org

Who should attend:
• Animal Control Officers/Animal Welfare Law Enforcement Agents
• Emergency Response Professionals (EMT and Fire Rescue)
• Veterinarians

Register Here

Equine Cruelty Investigators Class

Hands-on Horse Handling

Lunch Included

This training starts with a classroom portion on horse psychology and then transitions into hands-on work with our horses. You can expect to increase your skills in catching & haltering a horse, horse handling, and the basics of grooming including hoof care, and various trailer-loading techniques. No previous horse experience is required. We recommend attire that is comfortable and appropriate for outdoors.

Register Here

Equine Cruelty Investigators 2-Day Course

Lunch Provided

A two-day intensive hands-on seminar designed to help cruelty investigators feel confident working with and handling equines. Any cruelty investigator who does not work with horses on a regular basis would benefit from this instruction. This course will prepare you to feel more self-assured around horses, have a better understanding of the equine mind, and be better prepared to determine when a horses needs are not being met. Topics covered include: Case Histories, Horse Handling and Safety, Hoof Anatomy and Hoof Problems, Use of Height and Weight Tapes, Color and Breed Identification, Dental Care of Equines, Trailering Tips, Body Condition Scoring, Examining for Illness and Injury, and Minimum Horse Care Standards.

Register Here

Equine Cruelty Investigators Class: Master The Art of Communication: Verbal Judo 3 Day Training

Lunch provided

Presenter: Jeff Rowe, Verbal Judo Institute

Join us for an empowering three-day training event hosted by the Verbal Judo Institute. This workshop, led by expert presenter Jeff Rowe, is designed specifically for animal welfare agencies and individuals looking to enhance their communication skills, reduce conflict, and create more positive and productive interactions.

What is Verbal Judo?

Verbal Judo is a transformative communication strategy that uses empathy and persuasion to manage resistance and resolve conflicts effectively. By learning to listen and respond with precision, participants will gain the tools to:

• Avoid and de-escalate conflicts.
  Communicate with clarity and confidence.
• Stay in control under pressure while treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• Foster stronger relationships with customers, colleagues, and the community.

This proven method offers practical, field-tested solutions for managing high-pressure situations. Whether you’re resolving a conflict, negotiating with stakeholders, or simply aiming for smoother interactions, Verbal Judo will give you the edge you need to succeed.

Why Attend?

• Equip yourself with tools to improve workplace morale and reduce stress
• Enhance your ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism.
• Learn strategies that lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.

Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your communication skills and elevate your effectiveness in the field of animal welfare.

Transform the way you communicate, resolve conflict, and build relationships—experience the power of Verbal Judo!

Register Here