Wildlife Crime: Enforcement and the Welfare Dimension

Wildlife crime including illegal trapping, poisoning, and persecution causes severe welfare harm and requires stronger enforcement.

Key Facts

Wildlife crime costs the global economy an estimated 23 billion dollars annually
In the UK illegal killing of raptors on grouse moors is well documented through satellite tag data
Badger baiting persists as an illegal practice causing severe animal suffering
Wildlife crime often intersects with other serious crime including drug trafficking
CITES controls international wildlife trade but enforcement is inconsistent

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife crime causes welfare harm through deliberate acts of cruelty including poisoning, trapping, and killing protected animals. Illegally traded wildlife suffers severely during capture and transport with high mortality. Badger baiting involves prolonged torture causing extreme suffering before death. Poisoning of raptors causes neurological symptoms, paralysis, and slow death. Weak enforcement and prosecution rates create a culture of impunity that perpetuates wildlife crime.

What You Can Do

Report suspected wildlife crime to police wildlife officers or RSPCA immediately
Support the RSPB Wildlife Crime Unit which investigates raptor persecution
Donate to the League Against Cruel Sports which campaigns against badger baiting
Engage your MP on the need for stronger penalties for wildlife crime
Support undercover investigation of illegal wildlife trade by organisations like WWF