NCJ Number
143002
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1993) Pages: 726-731
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This case study describes the death of a 4-year-old girl who was attacked in her backyard by two strange dogs, both of mixed breed.
Abstract
The girl died of exsanguination and compressive asphyxia from bites to the neck; bite marks showed that both dogs attacked the girl. The death investigation was carried out through a multidisciplinary evaluation which examined the animals in terms of autopsy, matching of bite marks, and canine behavioral analysis. The behavioral component of the investigation focused on contributory medical conditions, past animal behavior, and physical evidence linking the dogs to the attack. In this case, predatory aggression by the dogs occurred when they were stimulated by the girl's fear to perceive her as potential prey. Thorough internal and external examination of the dogs will contribute to a reasoned public response and to providing information in potential legal proceedings. 4 figures and 7 references