Detection of plant objects extracted from wounds during a comprehensive forensic veterinary and biological examination

Pre-trial investigation of offenses committed against the health and life of animals is impossible without the involvement of forensic experts by law enforcement agencies or the court, as such experts possess specialized knowledge. Veterinary and biological expertise is of particular importance in this context, with its highest form being a comprehensive forensic veterinary and biological examination. In such cases, experts are tasked with addressing a range of issues related to the nature of injuries, their localization, severity, as well as determining the possible instrument of injury with specific features reflected in the wound. In view of these aspects, the main objective of this study is to develop an algorithm for the forensic detection and identification of plant objects that may be found in the bodies of injured animals. During the study, a set of modern methods was applied, including radiographic, ultrasonographic, visual, microscopic, comparative, and modeling methods. The use of these approaches yielded new data on methods for detecting foreign objects. For objects of plant origin found in the bodies of dogs and cats, stereomicroscopy and light microscopy were employed. These methods make it possible to identify the entire instrument of injury based on individual fragments (plant particles). As a result of applying a comprehensive approach to the detection and identification of foreign objects extracted from the bodies of injured animals during forensic veterinary examinations, a number of important issues were addressed, including confirmation of their presence in the animal body, determination of the taxonomic affiliation of plant particles, and identification of the instrument of injury based on its individual components. The developments presented in this study will contribute to improving the effectiveness of forensic examinations involving animals that have suffered severe injuries caused by foreign objects extracted from their bodies. Such a comprehensive approach enables the preparation of well-founded and objective expert conclusions, which may serve as evidence in judicial proceedings in a categorical form. It also expands the capabilities of pre-trial investigation bodies and the court in establishing the circumstances of a case.