Wildlife crime including poaching affects millions of animals globally. The welfare of poaching victims — and the animals in the wildlife trade — is a critical dimension of this complex issue.
Poaching inflicts welfare harms beyond the killing itself. Rhinos dehorned by poachers often survive the initial attack but die slowly from blood loss and infection. Animals caught in wire snares set for bushmeat may remain trapped for days before dying from injury, dehydration, or predation. Live wildlife destined for the exotic pet trade or zoos experiences extreme stress during capture, transport in small, dark containers, and confinement at destinations. Rhinoceros horn, elephant ivory, and other products are obtained from animals that experience significant suffering before death. Anti-poaching interventions that prevent these welfare harms protect both individual animals and populations.