Dogs as Crime Scene Witnesses: New Study Reveals Potential for DNA Evidence
Canines are not only valuable assets in tracking down criminals but could also play a crucial role as witnesses or residents at crime scenes, according to a new study. Forensic science researchers in Australia have discovered that dogs can potentially provide vital evidence through the use of DNA analysis.
The study, conducted by Flinders University, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, and Deakin University, expands the possibilities of DNA assisting criminal investigations by exploring the presence and transfer of human DNA on pets, including cats and dogs.
In collaboration with Roland van Ooorschot from the Victoria Police Forensic Services Department and Bianca Szkuta from Deakin University, Flinders University researcher Heidi Monkman collected human DNA from 20 pet dogs of various breeds from different households. This preliminary study revealed that human DNA can be extracted from all parts of the dogs that were sampled, with certain areas consistently providing more DNA, such as the head and back.
The study also revealed the presence of DNA from unknown sources, which requires further investigation. While animals in domestic settings could be victims, offenders, or innocent parties associated with a crime, there is currently limited knowledge of the transfer, persistence, prevalence, and recovery of human DNA related to domestic animals.
Further research is being conducted at Flinders University to gain a deeper understanding of the transfer of human DNA to and from companion animals. This ongoing work aims to provide data that will assist forensic investigators and legal arbiters in their efforts.
The article, titled Presence of Human DNA on Household Dogs and Its Bi-Directional Transfer, has been published in the journal Genes.
