State v. McLeod (1929) 196 N.C. 542

Scent Tracking/Identification; Reliability Foundation

This case establishes what must be proved in North Carolina before PSD tracking evidence will be admitted into evidence. “The action of bloodhounds may be received in evidence when it is properly shown: (1) that they are of pure blood, and of a stock characterized by acuteness of scent and power of discrimination; (2) that they possess these qualities, and have been accustomed and trained to pursue the human track; (3) that they have been found by experience [to be] reliable in such pursuit; (4) and that in the particular case they were put on the trail of the guilty party, which was pursued and followed under such circumstances and in such way as to afford substantial assurance, or permit a reasonable inference, of identification.”