A new chair in the field of legal veterinary medicine has been established at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Hokkaido University, funded by the Sumitomo Electric Group Social Contribution Fund, a public interest incorporated foundation.

In modern society, the relationship between humans and animals is deeply connected, and the idea of One Health/One Welfare, which considers human health and welfare as one with animals and the environment, has become widespread, including among international organizations such as the United Nations. In addition, unlike human "forensic medicine," "forensic veterinary medicine" is a new field of forensic science that deals with a variety of animals, from fish to mammals, and has been introduced to Japan in recent years.

Based on the forensic veterinary medicine and chemical analysis capabilities that Hokkaido University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has cultivated thus far, and on samples from companion animals, zoos, and wild animals that are constantly obtained through domestic and international research networks, we accept requests for appraisals from the police. At the same time, we will promote research into species differences, particularly in regard to chemical poisoning and sensitivity, and species differences in animal pathology and postmortem changes, with a particular focus on "forensic veterinary medicine," with the aim of contributing to the welfare of both humans and animals.

For more information, please click here. *You will be redirected to the Hokkaido University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine website.