Bio
Shane Bateman is a Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, and a board-certified specialist in Emergency and Critical Care. With over two decades of experience in clinical veterinary medicine, he brings a unique perspective to veterinary forensics, combining acute care expertise with a long-standing commitment to animal welfare.
Dr. Bateman served as Chair of the Board of the Guelph Humane Society for a decade, playing a pivotal role in the development of its new $10 million shelter facility. He has also led outreach initiatives delivering preventive veterinary services to underserved populations and First Nations communities in Ontario. These experiences shaped his leadership in founding the Kim & Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program—an innovative veterinary education and service program built on a One Welfare approach.
During a sabbatical in 2022, Dr. Bateman completed a Master’s in Veterinary Forensic Science at the University of Florida. Since then, he has worked to build veterinary forensics into the OVC curriculum, including the development of an elective clinical rotation. He is particularly interested in how forensic principles can support practitioners—including those in equine and large animal practice—in Recognizing, Reporting and Responding to animal maltreatment. He is committed to fostering strong collaborations with law enforcement and criminal justice professionals to strengthen investigations and ensure effective prosecution of animal maltreatment cases.
Lecture Synopsis
This session will equip veterinarians with the skills and confidence needed to recognize the clinical, behavioural, and historical indicators of non-accidental injury in animals. Using case simulations we will explore patterns of injury that should raise concern, common pitfalls in interpretation, and how to differentiate accidental from intentional harm. Participants will also learn practical approaches to documentation, communication, and reporting to ensure animals receive timely protection while supporting the veterinary team’s legal and ethical responsibilities.
