Investigator(s): Julia Coltart
Supervisor(s): Hayley E. Crosby-Durrani
Julia’s project aimed to analyse case reports of suspected equine starvation to identify common factors and create a reference publication for forensic veterinary pathologists.
With most veterinary pathologists feeling underprepared for forensic cases, these guidelines will serve as a critical educational resource, improving their ability to handle such cases effectively and prevent wrongful convictions or the dismissal of legitimate cases of animal cruelty.
The study included 83 forensic cases, of which 34 were suspected starvation cases and 49 were other neglect-related cases.
Key Findings
- Common findings in starved horses included severe muscle and fat loss and the presence of parasites (internal and external)
- Ponies were more likely to suffer from additional illnesses alongside malnutrition, whereas larger horses were more often victims of pure starvation
- Diagnosing starvation is challenging because it requires ruling out all other potential causes of poor body condition.
The study’s findings highlight the need for earlier intervention —a low body condition score alone does not confirm starvation but should prompt veterinary checks for underlying illnesses before neglect worsens.
The research also emphasizes the need for increased awareness of parasite infestations as a welfare issue, as they were more common in starved horses.
This is the first known study to systematically document starvation-related pathology in horses. Similar studies exist for dogs, but not for equines. By creating a scientific reference for forensic pathologists, this research can help improve animal welfare by ensuring more accurate diagnoses and stronger legal cases against neglect.
A paper based on the findings of this research is currently being prepared for publication in the Journal of Comparative Pathology.