08/28/2026
It defies logic that trained observers would want less evidence and not more evidence in a criminal animal abuse investigation.
Although the main thrust of this chapter is the veterinarian’s involvement with law enforcement and prosecutors in seeking justice against the crime of animal cruelty, it is not unusual for veterinarians to be called as defense witnesses. One reason is to prevent a defense expert from taking the stand and citing all the essential evidence that could have been collected and tested, but was not. This shows the jury that the investigation was incomplete, leaving them with insufficient information to arrive at a guilty verdict. A veterinarian who uses all techniques available in forensics and pathology and helps to build the case based on sound legal reasoning cannot be touched by a defense expert. Page 4. Chapter 1: The Legal System and the Veterinarian’s Role Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations 1st Edition by Melinda D. Merck (Editor) Wiley-Blackwell; 1st edition (June 1, 2007)
There is no mention in the quack Dr. Zook’s notes of the quack offering free blood tests or a free urine tests or even offering to pay for an examination of Bella’s carcass by a pathologist.
Final Thoughts “If it isn’t written down it never happened” is the mantra that all scene investigators should remember as they take notes and photo documents the crime scene and investigator actions. Thorough documentation of all scenes is important, but in the case of animal cruelty scenes, this documentation must extend after the scene investigation is complete and the scene has been released to ensure that the initial condition and recovery of an animal victim are clearly shown. Page 37. Investigating Animal Abuse Crime Scenes: A Field Guide 1st Edition by Virginia M. Maxwell (Author), Martha Smith- Blackmore (Author) CRC Press Published July 18, 2023
According to my expert witness, John Miller was unwilling to pay for the care that Bella, the hard keeper, actually needed. So there is no reason to believe that the Argents were any different. And the quack’s notes indicate that they were just like John Miller – indifferent to Bella’s welfare. The only reason for Bella’s exam was clearly to frame me!
Regarding the animal neglect case against Amy Allen, it is my professional opinion that
the dogs owner, not Amy, is responsible for the lack of an aggressive diagnostic work up and treatment, due to his financial restraints. Many medical issues and age can
Page 5 of 51
appear to be neglect. Amy complied with the owners direction to treat conservatively for his allergic skin issue for which we examined him. Amy’s neglect can not be determined by initial observation. I believe that to suggest Amy neglected Bella, Dr. Zook would have had to have known Bella’s medical history, done a comprehensive exam, including blood work and at least have done a necropsy after euthanasia to rule out organ function failure as a reason for his poor condition. Dr. Kittleson’s letter for defense attorney Michael Kircher for 32-CR-25-111. Exhibit K.
Which explains why Bella was not taken to an emergency care facility on 03-13-25 or on 03- 14-25 or on 03-15-25 or on 03-16-25. According to Veazey, the quack Dr. Zook made a written statement to the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Exhibit D.