VMD 511: Animal Welfare, Ethics and Jurisprudence (2+0)

LIGHTNING STROKE

• Accidental deaths of animals may occur due to a lightning stroke and Electrocation

Lightning Stroke

• Common causes of lightning stroke are
  • Flashes of lightning during thunderstorms may prove fatal to animals
  • Big trees usually have well-developed root systems. During a thunderstorm, if the ground is damp, then electrification of the root system charges a wide surface area. Merely standing on electrified earth electrocutes animals.
• In Lightning stroke, if animals die following points should be taken for consideration
  • History of thunderstorm in the locality.
  • Evidence of the effects of lightning (eg) Damage to houses or trees.
  • Often, a lightning stroke will affect several animals in a herd.

Signs of Lightening

• Half-chewed food in the mouth is a significant finding in the case of a lightning stroke.
• Singeing and burning marks occur in about 90 per cent of cases of lightning. Mostly on the medial sides of the limbs but the hairs have a brownish discolouration and abnormal kinking.