The specialized role helps investigators uncover evidence, protect animals, and support criminal cases
When allegations of animal abuse or neglect surface, the evidence isn't always obvious. That's where Hillsborough County's team of forensic veterinarians steps in. Working alongside Animal Control officers and law enforcement agencies, the County's forensic veterinarian plays a key role in the investigations, examining animals involved in suspected cruelty, neglect, and abuse cases. Their work helps determine what happened to an animal, documents injuries, collects evidence, and provides expert testimony that can strengthen criminal investigations.
For forensic veterinarian Dr. Lisa Centonze, the work provides a voice for animals that cannot speak for themselves.
"These animals deserve justice," said Dr. Centonze. "They are living, feeling creatures that can experience pain, fear, and distress. People need to be held accountable when they're negligent, incompetent, or outright cruel."
Forensic veterinarian and criminal investigations
Unlike a traditional veterinarian whose primary focus is treating pets in a clinic, a forensic veterinarian applies veterinary medicine to legal investigations. The position requires a blend of medical knowledge, investigative skills, and attention to detail. From documenting injuries to performing forensic examinations and interpreting evidence, every finding can help investigators understand whether an animal was intentionally harmed, neglected, or died from preventable causes.
The forensic veterinarian works closely with Hillsborough County Animal Control officers and local law enforcement agencies to build cases that can stand in court. Whether responding to reports of animal cruelty, dog fighting investigations, severe neglect, or suspicious animal deaths, the veterinarian's expertise helps ensure evidence is collected, preserved, and explained in court.
"The forensic veterinarian is the expert in criminal investigations involving animals," said Centonze. "The veterinarian can speak to why the animal died, if it suffered abuse, and if the animal was in pain. Without their testimony, sometimes the case won't go anywhere."
Protecting pets during extreme heat
As temperatures climb during the summer, the forensic veterinarian also plays a critical role in investigating heat-related animal deaths. Heat stress can become life-threatening in just minutes, particularly for pets left outdoors without adequate shade or water or inside parked vehicles. During investigations, the forensic veterinarian examines environmental conditions and medical evidence to determine whether excessive heat contributed to an animal's illness or death. Many heat-related emergencies are preventable with simple precautions.
Tips to keep pets safe this summer:
- Never leave pets unattended inside a parked vehicle
- Ensure pets always have access to water
- Provide plenty of shade if pets are outdoors
- Watch for signs of heat stress including excessive panting, weakness, or vomiting
Hillsborough County ordinances strictly ban unattended dog tethering at all times and prohibit tethering pets outside during periods of extreme heat and extreme weather. Failure to protect animals from the heat can result in civil citations or felony animal cruelty charges. Discover more ways to keep animals safe throughout the summer, including how to recognize signs of heat-related illness and what to do if a pet experiences heat stress.
A commitment to animal welfare
Every investigation tells a story. For Hillsborough County's forensic veterinarian, that story is pieced together through science, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Their work supports law enforcement investigations and helps hold offenders accountable. For Dr. Centonze, the work is personal.
"One of the most rewarding parts of this job is getting justice for the animals," said Centonze. "It's also very rewarding when you can save an animal. I know that my role is simply to do the best I can with the resources, education, and skills that I have."
Learn more about Hillsborough County's Animal Control team and check out the County's "Animal Control: Unleashed" video series to witness firsthand accounts of some of their most intense, emotional, and heart-wrenching cases.