Animal Abuse Leadership Summit 2023
December 8, 2023 @ 8:30AM — 4:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Baltimore County Ag Center & Farm Park: 1114 Shawan Rd. Cockeysville, MD 21030 Get Directions
Learn From Experts In Animal Abuse Investigation, Forensics & Prosecution
Join us for this annual summit featuring veterinary forensic expert, Dr. Melinda Merck from Austin, Texas, Investigator A.K. Taylor of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General Animal Law Unit, and Jacey Smith, Chief of the Animal Abuse Unit of the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office. This summit meets the annual ACO mandated training requirement and will include legislative updates, as well as tips on preparing for trial and being the best witness for animals. Bagel Works of Hunt Valley will sponsor a light breakfast and lunch.
8:00am: Registration
8:30am: Opening/Introduction
- April Doherty, Paralegal, Animal Abuse Unit
- Caroline Griffin, Co-Founder, Show Your Soft Side, Inc.
- Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, President, PAWS of Maryland
- Lisa Radov, President, Maryland Votes for Animals
9:30am: Investigation Begins at Call for Service
- A.K. Taylor, Investigator, Virginia Office of the Attorney General, Animal Law Unit
- Justin Scally, Director/Chief Operating Officer, Eastern Animal Hospital
10:15am: Investigation: To Warrant Or Not To Warrant
11:30am: Lunch
12:15am: Calling In The Expert
- Dr Melinda Merck, Veterinary Forensic Consulting, Austin, Texas
1:30pm: Preparation For Prosecution
- Jacey Smith, Chief, Animal Abuse Unit, Baltimore State's Attorney's Office
2:30pm: Be The Best Witness
- Trial panel
3:30pm: Final Remarks & Question/Answer Panel