A Retrospective Study of Suspected Animal Abuse Cases in Trinidad and Tobago, 2008-2025

Forensic veterinary pathology is becoming increasingly important in investigating situations of suspected animal abuse. In Trinidad and Tobago, there are only two veterinary diagnostic laboratories capable of performing necropsies, one at the University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine (UWI-SVM) and the other at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MAF-VDL). The databases of both UWI-SVM and MAF-VDL were searched for cases of suspected animal abuse between 2008 and 2025. Based on pathology records and case submission information, cases were categorized by year, species, cause of death (COD) or manner of injury (MOI), police submissions, and types of trauma and poisonings. A total of 113 cases of suspected animal abuse were submitted in the years 2008-2025. Case submissions reached a peak in 2015 (n = 23). The most submitted animal species was dogs (77%). Of the 113 cases, only 24 (20%) had a confirmed COD/MOI. The most common confirmed COD/MOI was trauma. The few confirmed cases of poisoning (n = 6) include carbamates, warfarin, malathion, and ethylene glycol. Owners appear to be aware of the importance of pathology to help diagnose suspected animal abuse cases. One major limitation in advancing forensic veterinary pathology on the island, and a factor preventing the prosecution of suspected animal abuse cases, is the lack of a toxicological laboratory capable of handling animal samples.