The global wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that causes immense suffering to millions of wild animals annually, and drives species toward extinction.
Wild animals captured for trade suffer acutely at capture — snares, traps, and nets cause injury and fear. Transport in cramped, dark containers causes dehydration, starvation, and respiratory disease. Many survive only briefly in captivity because their complex needs cannot be met. The welfare harms of wildlife trade are profound and affect hundreds of millions of individuals annually. Demand reduction is the most effective long-term strategy alongside improved enforcement.