Animal Abuse and Unlawful Killing

Introduction
Definition of forensic veterinary pathology - a developing specialty.
The relationship between the forensic veterinary pathologist and the courts.
Why do it?
The forensic examination and report
The locus: types of loci, value of attending at the locus, notes and photographs * The forensic necropsy procedure: standard procedures, avoidance of pitfalls, natural disease
Interpretation of findings *Report writing: plain English, formatting and numbering
Estimation of the post mortem interval * Rigor mortis, post mortem changes including adipocere and mummification, immunohistochemistry, entomology and environmental clues
Wounds and other injuries
Superficial injuries: skin wounds including abrasions, incisions, lacerations and stab wounds * Bruising and haemorrhage * Internal injuries: blunt trauma; penetrating wounds; head; thoracic; abdominal; pelvic and limb injuries
Non- accidental injury
Terminology and definitions * Features that raise suspicion * Links to violence in the home * Limitations on application of current knowledge to non-companion animals
Asphyxia and Drowning
Definition of asphyxia * General features * Strangulation, Choking & Smothering, Suffocation & Crush Asphyxia, Poisonous gases, Smoke inhalation, Drowning
Firearms
Types of weapons and ammunition: air rifles, shotguns, rifles and crossbows * Firearm injuries: air rifle pellets wounds, shotgun pellet wounds, high and low velocity rifle bullet wounds
Traps and snares
Illegal use of traps and snares * Injuries caused by spring traps * Injuries caused by snares * Deaths in cage traps
Dog bite injuries
Injuries to hares killed during hare coursing * Injuries to roe deer seized by dogs * Injuries to domestic livestock following stock worrying
Poisoning
Necropsy features raising suspicion of chemical poisoning
Thermal injuries
Burns and scalds * Pathologic features in cats fatally injured in microwave ovens and tumble dryers * Electrocution * Heatstroke *Frostbite

Neglect
Dogs, cats, other domestic pets and livestock: deprivation of the normal necessities of life * Lack of veterinary treatment: chronic lameness in livestock; neglected injuries; neoplasia; diarrhoea; loss of weight * Sexual abuse * Terminology * Types of injuries in companion animals * Objects used * Estimation of the age of lesions * Bruises, healing wounds, fractures, peri-osteal responses * Use of histopathology in forensic cases * Confirmation or exclusion of specific changes or lesions.
Smoke inhalation