Join SCAS for “The Use of Trained Canines to Detect Historical and Prehistoric Burials,” a talk by Adela Morris and Lynne Engelbert, of the Institute for Canine Forensics. The talk will be held on April 13, 2017, at 7:30 pm at the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange Hall at 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (click here for Google Maps directions).

Approximately 20 years ago, Morris and Engelbert discovered that their trained dogs could detect old burials. Since that time, they have worked hard on perfecting their techniques. They are currently researching the feasibility of canines searching for the remains of Amelia Earhart on the remote island of Nikumaroro as part of an upcoming Betchart Expedition in 2017. Morris and Engelbert will discuss past projects and share what the dogs have been doing since their last visit. The presentation will be exciting, but the best part will be the demonstration of how the dogs work. Meet Piper and Jasper and watch them locate and alert on human scent articles right before your eyes.

Adela Morris has been involved in human remains detection with her dogs since 1986 and has deployed her dogs on hundreds of searches specializing in cold cases, crime scenes and historical burials. She is the founder of the Institute for Canine Forensics, a nonprofit organization for the advancement of research and education concerning the use of canines in the gathering of forensic evidence. Adela is also the founder of the Canine Specialized Search Team, a volunteer resource for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Jasper, her current working partner, is a 6-year old tri-blue merle border collie.

Lynne Engelbert has over 25 years of detection dog training and handling experience and is a member of the Institute for Canine Forensics.  Lynne and Piper, her border collie, are certified as a Historical Human Remains Detection team: California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Human Remains Detection and FEMA Human Remains Detection (disaster). Piper is a 7-year old black-and-white border collie.

Adela Morris and Jasper.

Lynne Englebert and Piper.