英国建立首个犬类DNA数据库助力刑侦破案

伦敦国王学院和英国皇家兽医学院的研究人员建立了英国首个犬类DNA数据库，旨在通过分析犯罪现场的犬类遗传物质协助警方侦破案件。1该数据库目前覆盖80个不同犬种，其中10个最常见犬种（包括拉布拉多犬、可卡犬和迷你雪纳瑞）各取样至少50只。1

研究团队采用了两种主要技术手段来分析犬类DNA。1短串联重复序列（STRs）技术可以在每个STRs位点产生两个数字（各自来自父母双方），为个体犬只形成几乎独特的遗传特征。1线粒体DNA测序方法则可处理极少量样本，但仅从母本向后代传递。1由伦敦国王学院法医专家Denise Syndercombe Court教授领导的研究团队已在多起案件中提供了有价值的取证证据。1

该数据库的实际应用已显现成效。在一起案件中，DNA分析发现被告T恤上有来自两只不同狗的DNA，证实伤害来自犬类攻击。1在另一起羊群攻击案件中，DNA分析排除了某人的狗，并指出了可能的肇事犬种。1研究团队计划进一步扩展数据库，以包括英国禁养犬种，如比特犬、美国XL欺凌犬和日本土佐犬。1

Researchers from King's College London and the Royal Veterinary College have established the UK's first canine DNA database to assist law enforcement in solving crimes 1. The database covers 80 different dog breeds, with at least 50 samples each from the 10 most common breeds, including Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers 1. By analyzing genetic material found at crime scenes, investigators can now identify specific dog breeds or confirm or exclude whether a particular dog was involved in a criminal incident 1.

The research team, led by forensic expert Professor Denise Syndercombe Court at King's College London, employs two key genetic analysis methods 1. Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) technology analyzes canine DNA to produce two distinctive numbers at each STRs location—one inherited from each parent—creating nearly unique individual profiles 1. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing can process extremely small samples but is inherited only from the maternal line 1.

The evidence has already proven valuable in multiple cases: in one investigation, DNA analysis discovered two different dogs' genetic material on a defendant's shirt, confirming that injuries resulted from a canine attack rather than human assault 1. In another case involving sheep attacks, the analysis ruled out a suspect's dog and pointed toward the likely culprit breed 1.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to expand the database to include UK banned dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls, American XL Bullies, and Japanese Tosa dogs 1.