Animal Forensics Institute

Our Work

Recent Projects

Impact in Action

From statewide training programs to nationally significant forensic breakthroughs, our work advances animal crime investigation across the country. It's all made possible by your support.

Statewide Initiative

Equipping Maryland's Animal Control Agencies with Forensic Tools

Funded by a grant from Show Your Soft Side, this initiative is delivering purpose-built forensic evidence collection kits and professional training to animal control agencies in Maryland.

Each kit contains sampling and imaging tools, evidence recovery equipment, and materials for insect evidence to conduct quality crime scene investigations of animal crime with judicial integrity.

120

Kits Produced

Agencies Reached

2026

Training Launch

“We're trying to intercede by providing that training for all the agencies in the state, and going to them, not waiting for them to come to us.”
— Dr. David Rivers, Chair, Forensic Science, Loyola University Maryland

Participating agencies will convene in late 2026 for training seminars where attendees will be given their kits and trained on proper forensic usage. Their case outcomes and real-world utility of the kits will fine-tune the contents, with the aim to roll out annual training and resupply symposiums.

Landmark Case · Active Investigation

A New Forensic Standard for Pet Cremation Fraud

When Baltimore County Animal Control uncovered a pet cremation scheme, in which grieving families received bags of sand, gravel, and debris instead of their pets' remains, investigators turned to Loyola's Dr. Rhys Williams to help.

Dr. Williams used a series of non-destructive techniques to identify suspect cremated remains. Unlike conventional methods that require dissolving and destroying samples, or relying on visual recognition, his approach instead returns remains intact to families, honoring both the evidentiary need and the profound emotional significance of those remains.

“You looked at us in the eye and quoted scripture to make us feel safe, all while planning to discard our beloved companions like they were trash.”
— Joy Schoonover, victim, whose cat's ashes were replaced with sand

The case resulted in a 20-year sentence for the perpetrator, a landmark outcome for animal crime prosecution. Dr. Williams' methodology is positioned to inform pet cremation fraud investigations and protocols across the country.

Dr. Williams is currently preparing a peer-reviewed publication of his methodology, which will provide a replicable framework for forensic laboratories nationwide.

Community Engagement · Training Initiatives

Forensic Science Academies

The Animal Forensics Institute supports numerous academies and community engagement programs within the Baltimore region.

Our members use their specialist skillsets to train crime scene investigators in the Baltimore Police Department, covering death scenes and graves, crime scene management, and robust evidential recovery. We also support the Annual Forensic Science Summer Academy, a programme for high school students and teachers that gives a structured overview of forensic practice with hands-on experiences.

The programme is intentionally free, with the aim of widening access for students who might not otherwise be able to afford forensic or STEM enrichment opportunities. We aim to engage students directly with professionals from our team and the Baltimore Police forensic science division, exposing students to the realities of forensic work beyond the glamour of television portrayals.

“Me and my forensic science teacher geeked out over it 'cause he knows this is what I want to do in the future.”
— Flynn Harrington, attended during 11th grade and later enrolled in BA Forensic Science

Dr. David Rivers also provides specialist training in entomological evidence at the East Coast Animal Control Officers Academy, a two-week, 84-hour program for training new animal control officers.

We are dedicated to our mission of education, training, experience, and inspiration for the whole community and investigators of animal crime scenes.

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