The importance of human forensic investigation is well recognized in law enforcement. Forensics is a field that fascinates many, as demonstrated by its inclusion into movies, television shows, and best-selling fiction and nonfiction books. However, many people do not realize that forensic pathology is a specialty within veterinary medical science as well.

Veterinary forensic pathology plays a vital role in the enforcement of wildlife laws and laws pertaining to domestic animals, such as acts of cruelty and malicious poisonings.  This web site will discuss some of the principles and techniques used in veterinary forensic investigations, with a bias towards investigation of wildlife crimes.  Enjoy the the following pages as we discuss how the dead can teach the living.....

The primary role of a forensic specialist is to provide law enforcement officials, judges, and jury members with the information necessary to make decisions (decision to prosecute, render a verdict, etc.) regarding a case.

An investigator also has many adjunct roles and responsibilities to uphold. Foremost is the importance of conducting examinations in an unbiased manner so as not to improperly influence the interpretation of findings. Investigators also have the incredible responsibility of maintaining the admissibility of evidence (as discussed below) and providing accurate documentation of evidence and findings.

Finally, it is the investigator's job to render an informed opinion or interpretation based on available evidence, his or her professional training, and prior experience. For successful presentation of evidence and findings, all of these actions and interpretations must withstand scrutiny in a court of law.

During the course of a forensic necropsy, the investigator attempts to determine 3 key elements:

The disease, injury, or abnormality that alone or in combination is responsible for initiating the sequence of functional disturbances that ends in death. Examples include gunshot and blunt trauma from vehicle collision.

Example: A raccoon is struck by an automobile, thus fracturing its mandible. The animal eventually dies from starvation. The cause of death is blunt trauma due to vehicle collision because this event precipitated all other processes.

A classification of the way in which the cause of death came about with special reference to social relationship and personal causation.

Example: Accidental vs. Illegal death. A white-tailed deer that is hit by a motorist out of season is an example of an accidental killing. A white-tailed deer that is shot out of season for trophy purposes or meat is an illegal killing.

The structural or functional change that makes independent life no longer possible.

Example: Severance of the cervical spinal cord by a bullet resulting in respiratory paralysis.

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