Emily Rose Phillip

Forensic veterinary pathology is becoming increasingly important in investigating situations of suspected animal abuse. In Trinidad and Tobago, there are only two veterinary diagnostic laboratories capable of performing necropsies, one at the University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine (UWI-SVM) and the other at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MAF-VDL). The databases of both UWI-SVM and MAF-VDL were searched for cases of suspected animal abuse between 2008 and 2025. Based on pathology records and case submission information, cases were categorized by year, species, cause of death (COD) or manner of injury (MOI), police submissions, and types of trauma and poisonings. A total of 113 cases of suspected animal abuse were submitted in the years 2008–2025. Case submissions reached a peak in 2015 (n = 23). The most submitted animal species was dogs (77%). Of the 113 cases, only 24 (20%) had a confirmed COD/MOI. The most common confirmed COD/MOI was trauma. The few confirmed cases of poisoning (n = 6) include carbamates, warfarin, malathion, and ethylene glycol. Owners appear to be aware of the importance of pathology to help diagnose suspected animal abuse cases. One major limitation in advancing forensic veterinary pathology on the island, and a factor preventing the prosecution of suspected animal abuse cases, is the lack of a toxicological laboratory capable of handling animal samples.

Forensic veterinary pathology is becoming increasingly important in investigation sit-uations of suspected animal abuse. A search for owner (private) or law-enforcement suspected animal abuse necropsy cases submitted at either the University of West In-dies Veterinary Hospital (UWI-SVM) or the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Vet-erinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MAF-VDL) for the period of 2008-2025 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 eu-thanized. A total of 113 cases of suspected animal abuse were submitted in the years 2008-2025. The submission of these cases reached a peak in 2015 (n = 23) and has re-mained around 5 cases per year since then. The most commonly submitted animal species were dogs (77%) and birds (7%). Of the 113 cases, only 23 (20%) had a con-firmed COD/MOI. The most common confirmed COD/MOI was trauma. The majority of the unconfirmed COD/MOI involve suspected poisoning. The few confirmed cases of poisoning (n = 6) include carbamate, warfarin, malathion, and ethylene glycol. Owners are aware of the importance of pathology to help diagnose suspected animal abuse cases and are becoming more interested in trying to prosecute those suspected of harming their pets. One major limitation in advancing forensic veterinary pathology in the island, and prosecution of suspected animal abuse cases is the lack of a toxico-logical laboratory capable of handling animal samples.