Specific patterns of canine scavenging in indoor settings
Thomas Colard1, Yann Delannoy, Stephan Naji
1University of Lille, F-59000, Lille, France; Forensic Taphonomy Unit, Anthropology Department, F-59000, Lille, France.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 14, 2015
Summary
Domestic dogs cause distinct postmortem mutilations in indoor deaths, primarily affecting the face, neck, and arms. These taphonomic changes differ significantly from outdoor scavenging patterns.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Taphonomy
- Animal-related forensic science
Background:
- Postmortem animal mutilations by domestic dogs are common taphonomic modifications in forensic pathology.
- These specific patterns are rarely detailed in scientific literature.
Observation:
- Analysis of 41 domestic cases (Lille and NYC) and 22 literature cases.
- Identified specific locations and patterns of postmortem scavenging lesions.
Findings:
- Lesions predominantly found on the face (nose, mouth) at 73.1%, neck at 43.1%, and upper limbs/hands at 29.2%/26.8%.
- Indoor scavenging by dogs shows distinct patterns compared to outdoor scavenging, which typically affects the trunk and limbs while sparing the head.
Implications:
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for forensic pathologists in interpreting taphonomic modifications.
- Distinguishing indoor from outdoor scavenging aids in scene reconstruction and understanding animal behavior postmortem.
