Dogs and cats carry human DNA, scientists find
Even brief contact between pets and suspects leaves a detectable trace
Pets could play a surprising role in solving crimes, as dogs and cats are capable of carrying human DNA, a new Australian study shows, cited by Xinhua.
According to a statement from Flinders University, the study confirms the potential for forensic scientists to consider the presence of pets at crime scenes as a reliable new way to find and examine DNA traces. The studies were based on controlled interactions between pets and volunteers, Xinhua added, cited by BTA.
A long-term collaboration between experts from Flinders University and Victoria State Police shows that dogs and cats can be a source of indirect DNA transfer from people other than households or their owners. “Dogs and cats are present in most households around the world and routinely interact with many people,” said Heidi Monkman, a PhD student at Flinders University.
Pets act as intermediaries in the transfer of DNA, which can have serious implications for investigations involving animals, added Monkman, lead author of several research papers on the subject.
The study found that even brief contact between pets and suspects leaves detectable human DNA on the animals, which they then carry and spread into homes and other locations.
“Understanding and exploiting this phenomenon could provide investigators with important clues in gathering evidence in serious criminal cases,” Monkman was also quoted by Xinhua as saying.
Illustrative Photo by FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-coated-cat-on-black-leather-sandals-709481/
