Specific Patterns of Canine Scavenging in Indoor Settings

Abstract

Postmortem animal mutilations due to domestic dogs in isolated domestic deaths are taphonomic modifications regularly observed by forensic pathologists. They are rarely described in the literature; however, even though they present specific patterns. Through 41 cases, 10 at the forensic institute in Lille (France) and 31 at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (USA), plus 22 cases from the literature, specific locations and patterns of postmortem scavenging lesions are proposed. These lesions are mainly distributed in three locations: the face, especially the nose and the mouth (73.1%), the neck (43.1%), and the arm (shoulder/upper limb [29.2%], hand [26.8%]). We discuss the time span between death and scavenging, the consequences on identification, and comparison with outdoor settings. Outdoor scavenging lesions are mainly located on the trunk and limbs usually sparing the head, which strongly differs from indoor distribution and imply different animal motivations.

The impact of scavenging: perspective from casework in forensic anthropology

“…Many vertebrate species can be involved in the scavenging of human remains depending on the location of the body during decomposition. In addition to dogs and coyotes [7][8][9], the fox, opossum, vulture, raccoon, skunk, and crow are frequently involved in scattering and scavenging activity [6]. Omond et al [7] report that dog scavenging of neonates features limb removal in contrast to patterns documented for larger individuals.…”

“…Omond et al [7] report that dog scavenging of neonates features limb removal in contrast to patterns documented for larger individuals. Dog scavenging in indoor environments produces alterations to the face, neck, and arms in contrast to the pattern indicated in outdoor settings [8]. Willey and Snyder [9] report experimental results of captive timber wolves (Canis lupus) feeding on carcasses of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in East Tennessee, US.…”

Morphometric Analysis of Bite Mark Patterns Caused by Domestic Dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ) Using Dental Wax Registers

“…The morphology of dog bite marks on the human skin depends on the shape and nature of the teeth present in the animal dentition (Byard). The injuries are punctiform "Vshaped" wounds and the lesions often develop irregular and furrowed margins (Colard et al, 2015;Fonseca et al, 2015), including superficial abrasions (30-43 %), lacerations (31-45 %), and others (13-34 %) (Chhabra et al).…”

Postmortem Animal Attacks on Human Corpses

“…Hunger is the main factor for animal motivation in outdoor postmortem animal scavenging. The odors pervading from the corpse due to natural putrefaction process attract the attention of wild animals [25]. This condition differs slightly for domestic animals.…”

“…Furthermore, concerning human being-dog hierarchy, in case of weakness of its owner, dominancy may change in favor of the dog. In this case, a type of "mental disease" develops in the dog, and the dog may feel itself compelled to attack its owner and display aggressive behaviors against him/her to prove its leadership [25,27,29,31,32].…”