Investigation of wildlife crime including poaching, trafficking, and illegal trade often requires undercover operations that involve direct exposure to animal welfare violations, with implications for investigators and seized animals.
Wildlife crime investigation creates a specific welfare dilemma for investigators who witness ongoing animal suffering without the authority to intervene until an investigation is complete. Animal welfare documentation within crime investigations serves both the welfare purpose of building prosecution cases and the direct purpose of ensuring appropriate care for seized animals. Building animal welfare expertise into wildlife crime investigation capacity — including training in welfare assessment, emergency first aid, and seized animal protocols — improves both investigation outcomes and welfare outcomes for the animals involved.