KOREAN NET

A researcher of veterinary forensics works at the Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)

By Gil Kyuyoung

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is running the nation's first veterinary forensics unit, aka "animal CSI" (crime scene investigation), to prevent animals from suffering deaths from abuse or violence.

The city affiliate Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment (SIHE) on Dec. 6 said it began forensic testing in September to determine the causes of animal deaths, including autopsies on those suspected of being abused.

When a police station requests an investigation to see if an animal's death was caused by abuse, SIHE staff perform an autopsy and test for toxic substances and infectious diseases, providing critical evidence for probes into cruelty to animals.

Researchers have so far examined four cat carcasses, flagging two as potentially abused and requesting further investigation by the relevant agency.

Last year, the institute opened an animal autopsy room and a pathology tissue lab to launch veterinary forensic testing. This year, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital to set up a system for diagnosing animal carcasses through imaging technology such as X-rays.

"Over three million households nationwide raise pets," SIHE Director Park Ju-Sung said. "We aim to make Seoul a safer and happier place for both humans and animals through systematic inspections."

gilkyuyoung@korea.kr