An ISFG Working Group focusing on canine and other non-human DNA Analyses

Unterländer,M.; Berger,B.; Berger,C.; Hecht,W.; Heinrich,J.; Morf,N.V.; Parson,W.; Rohleder,U.; Schleenbecker,U.; Hellmann,A.

The dog is our closest animal companion and most popular pet, therefore, forensically relevant cases involving dogs, such as accidents or dog attacks, are observed regularly. Even more important, canine trace evidence, especially hair, can serve as evidentiary link when they indicate the suspect’s or victim’s presence at the crime scene. The Canine DNA Profiling (CaDNAP) group was founded in 2003 as a collaborative research project. The core group consisted of the Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck (GMI) and the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). The Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen joined in 2008 and the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich followed in 2015. The CaDNAP members have been striving for the harmonization of forensic canine DNA analysis by developing and validating canine-specific STR panels according to recommendations made by the ISFG. Additionally, the group is going beyond the analysis of canine DNA, and has lend its expertise for the analysis of animal as well as plant DNA in general to support law enforcement investigations.