Wildlife Crime Enforcement: Closing the Gaps

Wildlife crime is systematically under-resourced and under-prioritised in law enforcement, allowing vast illegal trade and persecution to continue.

Key Facts

The National Wildlife Crime Unit in the UK employs fewer than 20 officers nationally
Only a small fraction of wildlife crime is prosecuted relative to reported incidents
Forensic capacity to identify species from products is limited and expensive
Cross-border coordination between national forces is improving but still limited
Social media surveillance has become an important wildlife crime intelligence tool

Welfare Considerations

The under-enforcement of wildlife crime law means millions of animals are killed, trafficked, or subjected to persecution with no legal consequence for perpetrators. Raptor poisoning continues across Scotland at rates suggesting systematic impunity. Illegal wildlife trade kills hundreds of thousands of animals in conditions of extreme suffering annually. The gap between legal protection and enforcement reality leaves wildlife theoretically protected but practically undefended.

What You Can Do

Report wildlife crime immediately to police and specialist wildlife crime units
Support the Wildlife Crime Reporting App and online reporting systems
Advocate for dedicated wildlife crime units with adequate resources
Back forensic science investment for wildlife crime prosecution
Support criminal penalties for wildlife crime commensurate with the scale of harm caused