APPROACH OF VETERINARIANS TO VETERO-LEGAL CASES IN FIELD

Veterinarians are the primary professionals investigating animal cruelty, conduct examinations, and become involved in a legal investigation. Veterinarians are often responsible for the documentation of the physical findings of abuse, circumstantial evidences in case of poisoning, collection of associated physical evidence and provide expert opinions in a court of law. Forensic case not only involves domesticated animals but also includes many other species. Specialised forensic investigations are likely to be the remit of the pathologist, the toxicologist and other specialists even though the preliminary examination of live or dead animals and instigation of supporting tests will probably long remain the province of the practising veterinarian.

Veterinary forensics is a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses law enforcement, toxicology, veterinary medicine, entomology, anthropology, pathology, ballistics, botany, odontology, DNA analysis and other forensic analyses.

Role of veterinary forensic laboratory———-

Forensic veterinary team has number of specific sub-specialties in which they deploy their expertise in vetero-legal cases. These include investigation of cause of death, toxicology, DNA analysis, species identification, gross morphology, animal welfare and even crime scene investigation. Death investigations usually centre on the elucidation on the cause of death. This usually includes a full necropsy. Furthermore, ballistics and toxicology may be employed in some cases. Mostly, however, the cause of death can be found by macroscopical examination or histology in cases where no gross findings are in evidence at the time of necropsy. Examples are cases of poaching, traffic accidents involving animals, zoo deaths, farm deaths and suspected cruelty to animals. Morphological examinations are also performed on need basis in living animals. DNA analysis is performed in cases where the source of material needs to be proven. Cases of bite injuries are applicable for DNA testing. Paternity testing is also requested, especially in costly species such as horses. Food safety examinations may also be done by DNA analysis, when it is suspected that food contains material other than that declared, especially in meat products. Cases of suspected cruelty to animals are a major part of forensic veterinary work. Examples include neglect to farm and pet animals, inappropriate conditions in animal shelters, non – lethal injuries to animals (shooting, stabbing, beating) as well as hunting by means of illegal methods (snares, illegal weapons, poisoning). When bones are found, it is often required to determine whether the origin of human/animal or inter species. Bite mark / wound analysis is another typical veterinary forensic application. This may also include scratch mark and blunt trauma analysis. The results of forensic veterinary investigations may result in subsequent civil or criminal lawsuits. Therefore, the forensic veterinary team may be requested to give evidence in court. This usually includes crossexamination by all parties involved.

Animal crimes and veterinary forensics in India – current scenario——–

Since there is no national database of animalcruelty statistics, it is hard to determine how many of these crimes are committed annually. But there are some reports on wild life crimes, as reported by Environmental Investigation Agency; India is chief target for the trades of wild life skin. Between 1994 and 2003 there have been 784 cases where the skins of tiger, leopard or otter have been seized and in the same year reports of poaching and seizing of 698 otters were recorded. So the need for veterinary forensics laboratory is essential to maintain the data base of animal cruelty in both domestic and wild animals.

Scope of veterinary forensic science—————

Veterinary forensics has a wide scope and it is a needed discipline because as crime against animal is increasing day by day due to enmity between people or intentionally some are indulging in animal cruelty, so it is necessary to have veterinary forensic sciences laboratory. With the advancement of science and technology, investigation of cause of death in animals due to animal cruelty, mischief, species identification, animal welfare and crime scene investigation can be made much easier. As cases of poisoning, poaching of wild animals and adulteration of meat with other species as religious taboo concern, are increasing nowadays, that requires intervention of veterinary forensic personnel to identify the cause. Increasing awareness among the livestock owners and public in knowing the legal cause of death in animals involving criminal cases, which are difficult to arrive at a conclusion essentially require the help of veterinary forensic sciences laboratory. This requires integration of knowledge from veterinary medicine, veterinary pathology, toxicology, forensic entomologist, animal biotechnology and other allied departments.

Rational approach to vetero-legal cases in field—————

The study of veterinary jurisprudence/ veterinary forensic medicine is completely different from other subjects. There are a host of criminal cases and situations where the problem can only be solved through an intelligent application of medical principles. The common veterolegal situations which the veterinarians come across are wound examination, poisonings and the postmortem examination.

Proving sequence of events-——————

It is important to try and determine the sequence of injuries which re-creates the crime scene events. The veterinarian’s knowledge of animal behavior, clinical experience and common sense must be used to evaluate injuries. �

There are several considerations to make this determination depending on the type of injury. In deceased victims, the first thing to determine is the fatal injury and then back track from there. �

For contusions and areas of hemorrhage, one must remember that hemorrhage requires a beating heart. �

In multiple stab wounds, there may be little to no hemorrhage around an injury that was made when or after the heart stopped beating. � But, if there is minimal blood supply to the area then it could account for the minimal amount of hemorrhage. �

With multiple fractures or injuries, a diagram can help in the evaluation of the number of blows and determining sequence of events. �

With multiple fractures of the skull, one blow may cause concentric or radiating fractures. � Evaluation of where these lines stop and start can help determine the number and type of impacts. � Consideration must be given to the impact each injury would have had to the animal. This includes how the injury would have compromised the animal such as severe pain, the ability to move, vocalize, or fight back. �

In addition, the veterinarian must consider what the animal’s response would have been to each injury.

This is critical in courtroom where the veterinarian must testify about the expected reaction and vocalization to each event/injury as part of their expert witness testimony.

Poisoning ————-

Cases of malicious poisoning are common in livestock due to personal enmity in the villages. The forensic investigator may encounter cases that range from intentional poisoning of pest species and secondary exposure of non-target species, to accidental exposure of animals by labeled use of pesticides. Commonly used malicious poisoning agents include carbamates, organophosphates, Organochlorine, strychnine, anticoagulant rodenticides, thallium and cyanide. Many of these chemicals have been used in agriculture and are available through distributors as well as other sources.

Procedures on suspicion —————

Several factors may clue investigators into a suspicion of toxicosis. For example, a dead animal or localized group of dead animals in an apparently good nutritional state is highly suspicious of poisoning, especially if multiple species are involved. In some cases, investigators may locate poisoned bait or have a good indication of agricultural, pesticides commonly used in a given area. Take careful history, which may indicate changes of feed composition, exposure to poison or administration of potentially toxic preparation. Make a careful examination of the environment to look for the potential pathogens and the time of their occurrence. When there is illness of large number of animals at a time and showing the same symptoms, thoroughly examine the dead animals for signs of struggling, frothy nasal discharge etc., and rule out poisoning in post – morterm exminations.

Primary poisonings vs. Secondary poisoning —————-

In primary poisoning cases it should be noted whether they have occurred naturally by grazing poisonous plants or accidental intake of poison or with malicious intention. Cases of malicious poisoning are common in livestock and dogs in the villages due to enmity between family and individuals. Secondary poisoning can result when one organism comes into contact with or ingests another organism that has poison in its system. It typically occurs when a predator eats an animal, such as a mouse, rat, or insect that has previously been poisoned by a commercial pesticide.

Time of Death (TOD) ————-

Establishing TOD is not an exact science. There are guidelines extrapolated from our human counterparts but more research is needed. In order to determine TOD we have to figure out the post mortem interval. It is imperative that environmental conditions are recorded whenever a dead body is found as well as the condition of the body.

Time of Death Estimates in Animals

Warm not stiff : 0-3 hours

Warm stiff : 3-8 hours

Cold stiff : 8-36 hours

Cold not stiff : >36 hours

Forensic entomology—————

Insect analysis is also a good method for determining TOD. Maggots can aid in determining location of death and provide DNA and toxicology evidence. Maggots can help determine the time of death by providing the post mortem interval. Flies lay eggs during certain environmental conditions, at certain times of day after an animal has died depending on the species of fly. These eggs then hatch into maggots based on environmental conditions. The larvae develop at a certain rate, depending on the species and environmental conditions, and can be aged by a forensic entomologist. Blow flies are attracted to the body postmortem, so by dating the time of colonization (laying of eggs), the time of death can be estimated. It is important to note that in some cases, maggots may be found on live animals, known as myiasis. This is usually due to fecal soiling or wound necrosis present on the animal that attracted the flies. In this case, the time estimate will be for the time of trauma. Other insects are forensically important such as beetles which feed at different times post mortem. A sample of all insects, pupae and pupa casings on the body should be collected noting the location on the body they were found.

Post mortem examination————-

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The vetero-legal postmortem examination is made in order to ascertain the cause of death and is done after receiving inquest report. �

A necropsy report generated for a forensic case is different from that of a standard necropsy. Here veterinarian concentrates on findings significant to animal crimes; however, general principles of a postmortem examination apply which are as follows. �

Data given on the evidence tag should be noted in the report including the name of the submitting officer and agency. �

History, species, breed, sex, age, nutritional state, concurrent disease or injury, etc., should be documented. �

All descriptions should be concise and non-technical terminology used when possible because necropsy report ultimately may have to be understood by nonmedical people. �

All organ systems should be examined and all abnormalities described, even those usually regarded as incidental in a standard necropsy.

A significant time period may occur between the submission of specimens and the prosecution of a case. Thus, if necropsy findings are documented meticulously after examination, it will be easier for a veterinarian to recall details about a case, should his/her testimony required. �

Sign the necropsy report with date and always keep a copy of the report with you for record and future evidences in the court of law.

Photo documentation —————

Photo documentation is an important part of forensic necropsies. Throughout the entire necropsy, significant findings should be photographed. The photos could provide visual support to the identify the specimen.

Cause of death————-

After completing the postmortem examination of the animal, based on all the observations veterinary officer will decide on for an opinion and compile a report to be forwarded to the investigating officer as soon as possible and latest by two days.

Collection of specimens for examination ——————-

During the course of the necropsy, it is important for the pathologist to have the foresight to collect the appropriate samples in the correct manner. In the suspected cases of poisoning, the stomach and the upper part of the intestine with its contents, a portion of liver, kidney and spleen should be collected in a wide mouthed glass bottle and sent to the forensic laboratory. Any evidence collected, such as projectiles or tissue samples must be given their own numbers and the chain of custody continued as these samples are sent to other laboratories or experts.

Collection of samples for histo-pathological examination ——————

Tissue for the histo-pathological examination can also be collected for confirmation of the disease. Small piece of tissues are collected which should be representative of the tissue and the lesion. The tissues can be collected in a glass container having 10 per cent formalin. The bottles are labeled and packed carefully. Procedure for dispatching of material for chemical examination

Complete the report forms for pathological specimens. �

Enter the name and address of the submitter. �

Enter full name and address of the owner of the stock. �

Describe the full history along with ante and postmortem findings if any. �

A separate container should preferably be used for each case.

�Put a frozen coolant pad, into each container or pack these specimens in ice before despatching. � Specimens must be packed so that they do not contaminate each other, or leak in transit. �

If any specimens are to be maintained by the forensic pathologist, they must be kept in a secure area to avoid risk of contamination, mix-ups or tampering.

1. Medico-legal: Here the veterinarian is requested by the police authorities for assisting them in legal proceedings.

(a) Accidents: In case of road accidents involving animals, a veterinarian has to certify the nature of injuries and the cause of death if the animals die and he becomes a government witness.

(b) Bestiality: In bestiality, the case is brought to the veterinarian for examination and for examination of vaginal washing for presence of human sperms. On the basis of this report, court will decide the punishment to the person.

(c) Frauds in animals: Various types of frauds are done with animals to alter their identity. All these crimes, a veterinarian should be able to detect to help law in arriving at conclusions to avoid cheating of the public.

(d) Theft: Many times cases of theft are brought by police to an authorized veterinarian for proper identity of the animal so that it could be handed over to the right owner and the culprit may be punished.

(e) Adulteration and animal products: The veterinarian should be able to detect adulterations in meat and meat products, milk, ghee, wool and bristles. This is important for quality control and for penalizing the fraudulent dealer in these trades.

(f) Illegal cow slaughter: Where cow slaughter is banned, a veterinarian has to establish the identity by meat, organs etc.

2. Import and export of animal and animal by-products: Veterinarians are employed by private and government agencies for maintaining the quality control in respect of import and export of livestock and livestock products.