Five years of veterinary forensic necropsies in the Netherlands: a retrospective analysis of non-human cases

In this study a five-year retrospective analysis (2020-2024) of veterinary forensic necropsies in the Netherlands is presented, based on 346 necropsies out of 390 total submissions to Stichting Forensisch Dierenonderzoek (Forensic Animal Research Foundation), involving suspected non-natural deaths with potential forensic relevance. The objective was to characterize animal abuse cases by assessing species involvement, presumptive causes and manners of death based on gross findings, and regional, temporal, and procedural patterns. Forensic necropsies were performed according to standardized internal protocols, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The majority of examined animals were companion species, particularly dogs (41.8%) and cats (28.5%). Presumptively classified non-natural deaths accounted for 66.8% of cases, while natural deaths represented 9.5%, accidents 8.4%, and undetermined cases 15.3%. Among non-natural deaths, blunt force trauma (30.3%) and neglect or deprivation (26.4%) were the most frequent causes, based on gross necropsy findings. Seasonal variation in decomposition stage and regional disparities in submissions were observed. Submission and packaging practices improved modestly over time, yet forensic standards were not consistently met. Legal outcomes were retrieved for 80 cases: most resulted in minor penalties such as fines or community service, with only one case leading to imprisonment exceeding six months. These findings underscore the dominance of violent and neglect-related deaths in Dutch veterinary forensic caseloads and emphasize the need for standardized protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional support for veterinary forensic science in the Netherlands.