Information that should be obtained prior to submission for a forensic necroscopy

• Submitting agency a case lead, contact names and numbers.
• Submitting agencies case number
• Unique animal identification number
• Reason for submission of specific questions pertinent to the case.
• Date and time animal was last seen alive and by whom.
• Date and time animal was found to be deceased and by whom.
• Location of the body at time of discovery.
• Position of the body at the time of discovery.
• Description of immediate environment in which the body was found including temperature, access to food, water, or shelter, presence of body fluid and other evidence associated with remains.
• Date, time and location from which animal was received.
• Presence and location of liver mortis (Bluish-purple discoloration under the skin of lower body parts due to gravitation of blood after death); visible, well developed or fixed.
• Temperature of the body rise; does it feel warm or cold.
• Presence and location of rigor mortis; beginning, complete or passing.
• Insect activity and whether there was collection of entomology samples in fields.
• Medical history
• Medications present on scene.
• Number of animals present on scene and overall conditions stored prior to receipt.
• Crime scene photos and videos.
• Crime scene reports.
• Regardless of species of victim or type of crime, objectives of any crime scene investigation are to identify, collect, preserve, interpret and reconstruct all relevant physical evidence at a crime scene.
• Role of forensic veterinarian or pathologist on scene to assist law enforcement in identifying, collecting and preserving related to animal specific crime.