A veterinary behavior specialist with more than 25 years of experience, this expert witness specializes in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of animal behavior problems, with particular expertise in aggression, animal bites, companion-animal behavior, veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and negligence issues. More than 20 years of expert witness experience includes consultations, deposition testimony, and courtroom testimony. Forensic and consulting work has also included evaluation of animals alleged to be aggressive in shelter and animal-control settings and cases involving injuries caused by dogs and other animals.

Educational attainment includes a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts in Zoology with emphasis in animal behavior and neuroscience, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Professional credentials include board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Clinical experience encompasses behavioral assessment and treatment of dogs, cats, horses, and other species, with dog aggression comprising a majority of the specialty caseload. The expert has also maintained substantial experience in general veterinary medicine and surgery.

Professional leadership includes directing a veterinary referral and consulting practice devoted to animal behavior problems. Earlier academic responsibilities included faculty and lecturer appointments in veterinary medicine and animal behavior, supervision and mentoring of residents in clinical behavior, instruction of veterinary students, and participation in clinical research. The expert has additionally taught senior veterinary students rotating through a behavioral specialty service and provided continuing education to veterinarians and other animal-care professionals.

Research and professional involvement further support the expert’s behavioral medicine background. He has participated in studies evaluating new treatments for animal behavior problems and in clinical trials involving behavioral medications and related products. Professional memberships include the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Animal Behavior Society, American Veterinary Medical Association, California Veterinary Medical Association, and San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association. This combination of specialty practice, veterinary medicine, behavioral research, professional education, and expert testimony supports analysis of animal aggression, bite incidents, behavioral assessment, animal welfare, and veterinary care issues in litigation.