Authors
Ilaria Tarozzi, Alice Buzzelli, Luigi Mastrogiuseppe, Valentina Bugelli
Published in
Forensic science, medicine, and pathology. Jul 29, 2026. Epub Jul 29, 2026.
Abstract
Animal scavenging is a common occurrence in forensic casework worldwide. Determining the cause of death in a mutilated body, estimating the time between death and the onset of mutilation, and understanding the factors underlying animal activity are among the challenges posed by animal predation in domestic environments. According to forensic literature between 1994 and 2023, social isolation is a common risk factor for pet scavenging. The authors present a singular case involving dog scavenging of a corpse in an advanced state of decomposition, with partial loss of splanchnocranium bones. The body was found in an apartment in poor hygienic conditions, where the decedent lived alone with a Bracco-pointer dog. In the reported case, the decedent was unemployed and had limited contact with family. A forensic veterinary expert was consulted and indicated that a dog of similar breed and size could completely consume pig bone remains within less than one week. In contrast, the incomplete removal of the skull observed in this case may be explained by premature cessation of feeding due to accelerated body decomposition in a warm environment. Consistent with previous research, the death was attributed to ischemic cardiovascular disease. Death investigation in cases of indoor animal scavenging requires a careful scene examination and close collaboration between forensic pathologists and veterinary experts to reconstruct scavenging patterns and support the exclusion of antemortem trauma.
PMID:
42525375
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 29 Jul 2026.
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