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Animal Witness

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

ANIMAL WITNESS looks at how forensic science and law enforcement work together to solve crimes. Using firsthand accounts from scientists, law enforcement officials, and animal activists, each episode of the show walks viewers through investigations of capital crimes and other cases while showing how animal forensics was used to find important clues. It also looks at how victimized animals can sometimes be rehabilitated.

Is It Any Good?

3

Animal Witness offers some interesting details about how animal forensics plays into investigating crimes ranging from animal poaching and smuggling to capital murder. But it takes a rather sensational approach to telling these stories, using sometimes-violent visual reenactments and disturbing pictures of animal cruelty. Some of the interviews -- especially those with animal rights activists from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) -- also describe some of the horrible ways that animals are abused and killed.

The series' graphic nature is intended to demonstrate the importance of protecting animals. And it may inspire some people to get more involved in animal rights efforts. But some of it is so overwhelming that it can be a turn-off for sensitive viewers. It's not for kids, but teens and adults interested in animal forensics who can handle this kind of content as it relates to science and/or criminology may find it interesting.

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