Gyeonggi Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory to Begin "Veterinary Forensic Examinations" for Suspected Animal Abuse Cases This Month

Starting this month, Gyeonggi Province will conduct "veterinary forensic examinations" for suspected cases of animal abuse.

Veterinary forensic examination is a systematic testing system that can scientifically determine the cause of an animal's death. It is carried out when requested by investigative agencies such as the police.

On July 7, the Gyeonggi Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory announced that, starting in July, it has established a testing system that can objectively determine the cause of death and whether abuse occurred in suspected animal abuse cases. The laboratory utilizes a variety of veterinary techniques, including autopsy, histopathology, toxic substance analysis, and infectious disease diagnosis, to provide scientific diagnosis and response.

In particular, to independently operate a radiographic imaging system for diagnostic purposes, the laboratory established an animal hospital within the Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory in accordance with the Veterinary License Act.

Gyeonggi Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory is conducting an animal autopsy. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

This measure is intended to quickly obtain X-ray images required during the autopsy process without relying on external sources, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of autopsies. This animal hospital is dedicated to veterinary forensic examinations and does not provide general veterinary care.

The testing system is operated based on the Gyeonggi Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory's years of pathological diagnosis experience, accumulated diagnostic infrastructure, and specialized personnel. The laboratory also plans to continuously strengthen its expertise through technical exchange, academic consultation, and joint research in cooperation with related organizations such as the College of Veterinary Medicine at Seoul National University.

Shin Byungho, Director of the Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory, stated, "We will do our best to establish a system that protects animal rights and earns the trust of Gyeonggi residents," adding, "We will actively pursue animal welfare policies and continue our efforts to realize a Gyeonggi Province where people and animals can live happily together."