Wildlife Trafficking and Welfare at Seizure

Illegally trafficked wildlife face extreme suffering during capture, transport, and holding, and welfare considerations must be central to enforcement and seizure responses.

Key Facts

Wildlife trafficking is the fourth largest criminal enterprise globally after drugs, arms, and people
Animals are often drugged, confined, and transported in conditions causing high mortality
Mortality rates for trafficked animals can reach 80% before reaching their destination
Seized animals often cannot be released to the wild and require lifetime sanctuary care
The welfare cost of trafficking includes both individual suffering and species population impacts

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife trafficking inflicts suffering at industrial scale. Animals are ripped from family groups, confined in conditions designed to conceal them rather than keep them alive, and many die before reaching buyers. Survivors often bear lasting physical and psychological trauma. Law enforcement seizures, while necessary, create their own welfare challenges: authorities unprepared for care needs, unsuitable temporary holding, and difficult decisions about placement and rehabilitation.

What You Can Do

Never purchase exotic animals, their parts, or products made from trafficked wildlife
Report suspected wildlife trafficking to relevant authorities
Support organizations building seizure care and rehabilitation capacity
Advocate for penalties for wildlife trafficking that reflect the severity of welfare harm