Introduction

Forensic veterinary pathology is defi ned as the application of knowledge of veterinary pathology to the elucidation of evidence for the Courts. In other words, the purpose of conducting a forensic examination is: (a) to discover and record any injury, disease or abnormality, and (b) to interpret these fi ndings in a manner that allows a Court of Law to understand the cause(s) and signifi cance of any changes.


Forensic pathology is a highly skilled task, and veterinarians

undertaking forensic post-mortem examinations must be able to demonstrate that they are competent in this fi eld. As part of their studies at university or veterinary college, veterinary students learn the basics of post-mortem examination, but this is a meagre basis for claiming competence in a very diffi cult discipline. After graduation, few practising


veterinarians take further qualifi cations in pathology. Consequently, although their clinical skills and experience develop with time, their knowledge of (and competence in) pathology is at best static. The end-result is that many veterinarians who undertake post-mortem examinations are at serious risk of presenting evidence that is incomplete, unconvincing or inaccurate. This is unwise in a professional sense. More importantly, the Courts may be misled.


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