RESUMO
Background: Forensic veterinary pathology is becoming increasingly important in investigation situations of suspected animal abuse. It is thought that the submission of suspected cases of animal abuse has increased over the past seven years in Trinidad and Tobago. Methodology: A search for owner or law-enforcement suspected animal abuse necropsy cases submitted at either the University of West Indies Veterinary Hospital or the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for the period of 2008-2015 was performed. Based on pathology records and submission information, cases were categorized by signalment and cause of death (COD) or manner of injury (MOI) if the animal was euthanized. Results: A total of 84 cases of suspected animal abuse were submitted in the years 2008-2015. Although the submission of these cases decreased from 2008-2012, there has been an increased since then. The most commonly submitted animal species were dogs (74%) and sheep (7%). Of the 84 cases, only 22 (24%) had a confirmed COD/MOI. The most common confirmed COD/MOI was trauma (45%), followed by poisoning (27%). The majority of the unconfirmed COD/MOI involve suspected poisoning. Conclusions: Owners are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of pathology to help diagnose suspected animal abuse cases, and are becoming more interested in trying to prosecute those they suspect of harming their pets. Toxicological studies are currently limited, but they would be very useful in confirming cause of death for the majority of unresolved cases.
