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Ballistic Trauma in Veterinary Forensic

Pathology

Presentation · June 2016

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1182.0401

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2 authors:

Alexander Stoll Simon Lawrence Priestnall

University of Surrey Royal Veterinary College
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 Ballistic Trauma in Veterinary Forensic Pathology

Alexander L Stoll BSc VetPath (Hons), BVetMed, DipFMS, MRSB, MRSPH, FRCPath, MRCVS and

Simon L Priestnall BSc VetPath (Hons), BVSc, PhD, PGCert (VetEd), FHEA, DipACVP, FRCPath, MRCVS

Department of Pathology & Pathogen Biology, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane,
Hatfield, Hertfordhsire, UK

Ballistic trauma analysis is an invaluable tool in pathology and criminal investigations, with robust,
well-supported methods. This science and other forensic techniques are barely established in
veterinary species, however, despite animals’ frequent presence at crime scenes and representing a
wealth of unexplored and potentially important data. Veterinary forensic pathology has contributed
to case-building and prosecution on a number of occasions, but medical forensic knowledge and
techniques continue to be under-utilised in animals.

Recently the authors collaborated in a case of double homicide in which two women and four dogs
received fatal gunshot wounds from a single-barrelled shotgun. We performed full post-mortem
examinations of the dogs, including trace evidence collection (with assistance from a Scene of Crime
Officer), computed tomography (CT) scanning and 3D reconstruction. Comparative ballistic evidence
between the humans and dogs was presented in court: our findings contributed to disproving the
alibi of the defendant, and was described by the judge as “very useful”.

Here we discuss this particular case, as well as our application of forensic techniques in the emerging
field of veterinary forensics to assist investigation of wildlife crime, animal neglect, domestic abuse,
homicide, sexual abuse, dog attacks, and other crimes involving animals.

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