Animal Welfare, Ethics and Jurisprudence

VETERO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF WOUNDS : EXAMINATION OF THE INJURED ANIMAL

• The Veterinary Officer may be supplied by the Police Superintendent or The Magistrate the following form which he is required to fill in after examining the injured animal.

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Nature of injury ether cut, wound, bruise, burn, fracture or dislocation	Size of each injury in inches, that is length, breadth and depth	On what part of the body inflicted	Simple, grievous or dangerous	By what weapon	Whether the weapon was dangerous or not	Remarks

• The Veterinary Officer should be very careful in filling in this form. First of he should write at the left hand top corner of the form identification of animal and the name and number of the police constable accompanying it and should note the mark or marks of identification to enable him to recognize the injured animal. He should then note the exact time of the examination, viz. hour, date, month and year, and proceed with the examination proper as below:

Nature of Injury

• While describing the injuries in columns 1, 2 and 3 of the form, the Veterinary officer should carefully note their nature and number, the character of their edges, their size as regards length, breadth and depth, the line of direction and their situation. Presence of any extraneous material in the wound should be carefully noted. If necessary, he should use a magnifying lens. All the injuries should be measured with a tape-measure, and the exact measurements in inches must be given. While mentioning the exact situations a reference to some bony prominences or anatomical contours should be made.

Simple, Grievous or Dangerous Injury

• In column NO.4 it must be mentioned whether the injury is simple, grievous or dangerous to life. A simple or slight injury is one which is neither extensive nor serious, and which heals rapidly without leaving any permanent deformity or disfiguration.
• Grievous injuries as described in Section 320, I.P.C., are as follows
  • Emasculation.
  • Permanent privation of the sight of either eye.
  • Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear.
  • Privation of any membrane or joint.
  • Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any membrane or joint.
  • Permanent disfiguration of the head or face.
  • Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth.
  • Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be, during a period of twenty days, in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow ordinary pursuits.