Canine DNA Profiling in Forensic Casework: The Tail Wagging the Dog

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Genetics
• Veterinary Forensics

Background:

• Dogs are frequently involved in forensic cases, acting as perpetrators, victims, or links between suspects and crime scenes.
• Canine DNA analysis, using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, has been applied in individual forensic investigations.
• Existing casework reveals substantial interlaboratory variability in methods and results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of canine DNA analysis in the forensic context.
• To identify inconsistencies and challenges in current forensic canine DNA profiling.
• To highlight the need for standardization in the field.

Main Methods:

• Literature screening for published casework on forensic canine DNA analysis.
• Analysis of 12 publications from 10 different laboratories.
• Assessment of DNA markers, allele nomenclature, and statistical calculation methods used.

Main Results:

• Significant overlap in employed DNA markers was found in less than 10% of studies.
• A wide variety of allele nomenclature systems are in use across different laboratories.
• Interlaboratory variability in methodology and general approaches is extensive.

Conclusions:

• Forensic canine DNA analysis currently lacks standardization, hindering reliable interpretation.
• Urgent need for harmonization activities, similar to human forensics, is identified.
• Key areas for standardization include DNA marker selection, allele nomenclature, and statistical calculation methods for dog populations.