ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a better understanding of how and why to use DNA for forensic investigations. DNA is present in all living individuals and, with the exception of identical twins, the genetic makeup of an individual is unique. A genetic profile is generated by using multiple markers that take advantage of a particular class of repetitive DNA, referred to as short tandem repeats. DNA data is vital to criminal investigations whether for humans or animals. DNA is used to identify species that have been involved in or used in various criminal activities. DNA is used to identify individual dogs, deer, or other species. Courtrooms around the world are recognizing that DNA evidence from animals needs to be treated in essentially the same way as human DNA evidence. Animal DNA used for forensic investigations is becoming the gold standard and is more and more often looked for in a court of law.
