Fatal gunshot injuries in the common buzzard Buteo buteo L. 1758 – imaging and ballistic findings

Abstract

The conservation of the common buzzard is assured by the European Union law. In Poland, this wild bird is under strict species protection and it is used as a bioindicator for heavy metals in the environment. A case of the fatal shooting of a buzzard with a firearm by an unidentified shooter is described here. Macroscopic evaluation, X-ray imaging, post-mortem computed tomography, ballistic examination of the isolated bullets and finally a simulation of the assumed position of the bird at the time of the shot were performed. Numerous pellets were found inside the body, together with multiple bone fractures and central nervous system trauma. The buzzard died most probably as a result of spinal cord injury from a single shot that was fired from a smoothbore hunting gun. Collected evidence was insufficient to identify the shooter, which sadly confirms that identification of the perpetrator in wildlife forensics remains low.

Forensic Imaging: A Powerful Tool in Modern Forensic Investigation

“…In 2018, Pankowski et al. [ 78 ] utilised X-ray and CT in a fatal common buzzard gunshot case. By performing imaging on the deceased buzzard, they estimated that the shot was taken from a smoothbore hunting gun with a probable 12 mm, 16 mm or 20 mm caliber and the buzzard died most likely as a result of spinal cord injury from a single shot of a hunting gun.…”

Post-Mortem Dental Profile as a Powerful Tool in Animal Forensic Investigations—A Review

“…There have been extensive studies of some forms of ‘human-induced’ damage to animals; for example, non-accidental injury caused to dogs and cats [ 9 , 10 ], the effects of traps and snares [ 11 , 12 ], poisoning [ 13 , 14 ], and shooting on wildlife [ 12 , 15 ]. Death, injury, health concerns, pain, or distress may result from most of the examples cited above but the implications may differ depending on the species and the circumstances surrounding the attack [ 2 , 16 ].…”

Tissue damage in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) caused by pneumatic weapon in imaging and ballistic studies

“…In recent years, most of the proceedings concerning illegal animal killing were discontinued. The main reasons for overruling decisions and discontinuance were the inability to identify the offender or the circumstances of the offence [Pankowski et al 2018]. This thesis is mostly true as the post-mortem examination code of practice, ballistic analysis and broadly defined comparative anatomy mostly concern humans.…”

“…The bullet was analysed by a ballistics expert and a simulation of the shot was performed to determine its trajectory and position of the bird. Unfortunately, identification of the criminal was impossible [Pankowski et al 2018]. Another example of an animal shooting is the death of a cat that was shot by an airgun.…”