Two local veterinarians joined forces with the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office to help them build stronger cases against animal abusers. Recognizing that veterinarians are frequently called as expert witnesses in animal cruelty cases, Dr. Erin Stayton and Dr. Tabitha Stang from Veterinary Associates in Tulsa, Oklahoma, volunteered to help.

The training brought together 25 prosecutors for a realistic courtroom simulation. The prosecutors selected juries, examined witnesses, and developed strategies while the veterinarians served as expert witnesses.

"As veterinarians, it's in our nature to protect those who can't speak for themselves," said Dr. Stayton. "Animals rely on us to be their advocates—not just in the exam room, but in every setting where their well-being is at stake."

For Dr. Stang, who started at Veterinary Associates in 2019 as a kennel assistant, the experience gave her valuable insight into the legal system and how it intersects with our field. “As a new graduate, engaging in this kind of community involvement allows me to introduce myself to professionals outside of veterinary medicine and understand what our city needs in terms of animal welfare,” she said. "Veterinary medicine isn't just about animals—it's also about people and community.”

The training was so successful that the District Attorney is now exploring ways to expand the program to other regions.

"We're committed to advancing animal welfare not just locally, but nationally," shares Hospital Manager Sean Wells. "Collaborations like these are vital to creating a more informed and effective approach to animal cruelty prevention and prosecution.”

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