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

VETERO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF DEATH

• It may be defined as a complete and persistent cessation of respiration and circulation called somatic death and death of the tissue , molecular death .
• Death is classified as somatic or systemic and molecular. Somatic and systemic death is that state of the body in which there is complete loss of sensibility and ability to move and complete cessation of the functions of the brain, heart and lungs, the so-called ''tripod of life" , which maintain life and health. Molecular death means the death of the tissues and cells individually, which takes place some time after the stoppage ofthe vital functions, and is accompanied by cooling of the body, the temperature of which is reduced to an equilibrium with the external world.