Veterinary expert opinions in animal latent defects cases: What is the scope of the expertise? A case study

In a case study, two veterinary expert opinions concerning latent physical defects of animals sold were analysed (a pair of “Savannah” cats and a horse). In both cases, the veterinarian was appointed as a court expert, primarily to examine whether a given animal was burdened with a disease and when it occurred. However, the tasks of the veterinary expert were not limited to this. Following the scope of the expert opinion indicated by the court, the authors commented on other related topics. Results of a medical veterinary nature were confronted with normative regulations. It was determined that a veterinary expert in cases concerning the physical defects of animals sold could comment on issues other than solely the animal’s health. The indicated scope of expertisis covers, e.g. issues conditioned by the expert’s legal knowledge, other situations within the statutory definition of a latent defect, or issues directly disputed by the court.