Forensic veterinary evaluation of injuries caused by a shot with a smoothbore weapon in domestic dogs

Abstract

Gunshot injuries in animals are an important subject of forensic veterinary expert opinions. The common occurrence of shootings with hunting weapons in veterinary and forensic practice and the need to determine their cause and effects and to identify the ammunition used, make it necessary to investigate characteristic features of injuries caused by various types of ammunition. This experiment involved shooting research material, i.e. nine carcasses of domestic dogs, with various calibres from distances of 0 m (contact shot), 1.2 m and 10 m. Pellets with diameters of 2.4 mm or 8.45 mm and slugs were used to obtain the full spectrum of injuries that may result from a shot with a smoothbore weapon. Next, colour tests were performed to identify gunshot residues in the area of the wound, as well as imaging tests, i.e. X-ray and CT, necropsy and a histopathological examination of tissues around the entry wound. The results reveal the possibility of extensive injuries to the tissues and bones of victims of gunshot wounds. A thorough analysis of the results of the experiment with projectiles of various calibres indicates that the extent and location of the damage are correlated with the calibre, diameter and bodymass of the pellets, their initial velocity and the distance between the end of the barrel and the object shot.