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Animal Witness

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SILENT WITNESSES SOMETIMES SAY THE MOST, AS PROVEN ON ANIMAL WITNESS

Animals may be unable to speak but they can still provide vital evidence and help solve crimes. Science and law enforcement work together to bring criminals to justice in ANIMAL WITNESS, where pets are more than just companions. Where there are no human witnesses to a crime, pets are called upon to play a crucial role in the investigations, proving that you don't need to be able to talk to tell the truth. ANIMAL WITNESS premieres every Sunday, starting February 15 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Episodes encore on Wednesday at 2300 hrs (11:00 pm).

Criminals often think they are home scot free when there are no witnesses. However, evidence can sometimes come in the most unexpected forms. With firsthand accounts from scientists, police and animal activists, each episode of ANIMAL WITNESS takes you through an investigation of a crime where the main witness was not human. From four legged friends such as cats and dogs to fish, birds and even insects, these animal witnesses provide investigators with crucial information that solves crimes ranging from smuggling to drug trafficking and murder.

ANIMAL WITNESS episode descriptions:

  • South Park Slaughters
    On December 9, 1996 a vicious home invasion in Seattle left a young couple dead. The only survivor was 10-month-old Chief, a pit bull mix. Succumbing to injuries sustained during the attack, Chief died in surgery, but his role in the investigation was only beginning. Bloodstains found on the suspect's clothes defy analysis until investigators realize they are canine. When the DNA is correctly analyzed, Chief transitions from anonymous victim to mute witness to key piece of evidence.
    Premieres on Sunday, February 15 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm). Encores on Wednesday, February 18 at 2300 hrs (11:00 pm).
  • Convicted by a Hair
    In Prince Edward Island, Canada, a young mother named Shirley Ann Duguay disappears without a trace. Her reportedly abusive ex-husband is the chief suspect, but police lack hard evidence to tie him to the crime. Investigators must rely on an unexpected source - a cat - to tell the real story. The search unfolds through the unique perspective of the case's star feline witness, a white house cat named Snowball.
    Premieres on Sunday, February 15 at 2230 hrs (10:30 pm). Encores on Wednesday, February 18 at 2330 hrs (11:30 pm).
  • Pointing the Blame
    On September 14, 2000 a triple homicide is committed at the home of Theresa Sears. The only witnesses to the crime are two German Shorthaired Pointers named Hannah and Scout. Investigators find an interesting piece of evidence on the sidewalk near the point of entry to the home: a partial footprint in dog faeces.
    Premieres on Sunday, February 22 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm). Encores on Wednesday, February 25 at 2300 hrs (11:00 pm).
  • Animal Arson
    Investigators in tiny Mill Creek, Pennsylvania uncover evidence of arson after a house fire claims the lives of a toddler and the family Rottweiler. From the start, detectives target homeowner Stephen Treiber as their chief suspect. But they'll need something stronger than just a hunch to make their case. To do this, they'll need to rely on an unusual witness to solve the crime. From beyond the grave, Treiber's own dog - a Rottweiler named Janie - will help investigators and prosecutors link her owner to the devastating fire through DNA evidence.
    Premieres on Sunday, February 22 at 2230 hrs (10:30 pm). Encores on Wednesday, February 25 at 2330 hrs (11:30 pm).
  • Dogged Investigation
    The bound and gagged body of 22-year-old Misty Morse washes up on the shores of Merritt Island, Florida. Relying on purely circumstantial evidence and relentless detective work, a suspect emerges: Morse's ex-boyfriend, Brent Huck. While interviewing him at his parent's waterfront home, investigators notice a Rottweiler-German Shepherd mix named Chiba, whose black and tan coat appears to match animal hairs found at the crime scene. Using animal DNA forensics, investigators, prosecutors and scientists come together to convict the young woman's killer.
    Premieres on Sunday, March 1 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm). Encores on Wednesday, March 4 at 2300 hrs (11:00 pm).
  • Life, Limb & Feather
    Dallas investigators hope to solve the brutal murder of Kevin Butler with the help of an unusual witness: Butler's pet cockatoo, "Bird." Bird flew to Butler's defense during the attack, pecking one of the two attackers. Investigators learn that the killer wiped his wound, then wiped the living room wall of Butler's home, leaving incriminating DNA evidence behind. It's this evidence that leads detectives to the killer, evidence made possible by Butler's loyal pet cockatoo.
    Premieres on Sunday, March 1 at 2230 hrs (10:30 pm). Encores on Wednesday, March 4 at 2330 hrs (11:30 pm).
  • Follow Me Layla
    When seven-year-old Danielle Van Dam is taken from her bed in the middle of the night without a trace, an unlikely witness holds the key to her disappearance. Layla, Danielle's beloved Weimaraner, will lead police to a suspect as easily as if she had followed the kidnapper.
    Premieres on Sunday, March 8 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm). Encores on Wednesday, March 11 at 2300 hrs (11:00 pm).
  • Operation Snowplow
    After receiving an accurate tip about illegal animal trafficking in the Chicago area, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) agents launch a covert investigation to nab the criminals. After observing the criminals buy, kill and sell endangered tigers over a 15-month undercover investigation, the agents have enough evidence to make an arrest. In a happy ending, USFWS agents rescue a few endangered cats from almost certain demise.
    Premieres on Sunday, March 8 at 2230 hrs (10:30 pm). Encores on Wednesday, March 11 at 2330 hrs (11:30 pm).
  • Episodes 9-20 TBC