Investigations
We work closely with police to support effective enforcement of wildlife legislation. Partnership working can support a proactive approach at bringing criminals to justice.
It’s their job to establish possible criminal offences committed, gather the information and produce accurate reports to pass to the police for further investigation. Our work supports the policing of wildlife crimes week on week across the UK.
Wildlife criminals rarely restrict themselves to one form of animal suffering and so investigations have inevitably included other forms of wildlife crime such as wild bird trapping. We have also uncovered other forms of criminality such as the trade in ivory, drugs, knives, offensive weapons and criminal damage.
Helping police with wildlife crime across the country
We know you want to see wildlife criminals put before the courts and brought to justice, and we do, too. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to accomplish this. The tireless work of our animal crime investigators has seen real results for wildlife during 2025.
Explore this section
What our partners say:
“Naturewatch Foundation have an exceptional track record of supporting police forces across the UK in wildlife crime investigations. The initial research and intelligence packages the team produce are extremely accurate and relevant. I can, without doubt, use these in warrant applications and, subsequently, the evidential chain in my investigations. The intelligence they produce has helped secure many convictions.”
Sharing information – what we do with the information you give us
What happens next?
1. We want to put your mind at rest immediately.
2. A covert investigation officer will use the information you provide to uncover more evidence.
3. Next, law enforcement agencies act on the information that you provide.
They’ll then compile it and send it to the relevant enforcement agencies.
Do you suspect that someone is involved in the illegal persecution of wildlife? If so, please complete our wildlife crime report by clicking the link below and a member of our investigations team will be in touch.
What we’ve uncovered so far
To date we’ve uncovered badger baiting, snaring, poisoning and sett interference, as well as other serious crimes including illegal firearms, the sale of drugs, dogfighting and fox hunting.
On top of that, we’ve been alerted to the sale of puppies abroad to be trained for badger baiting.
You’ve helped so much by sending letters and emails to Police & Crime commissioners and by lobbying your local MPs to act. But don’t stop now. We’re closer than ever to making badger crime more visible and protecting our precious wildlife.
How you can help
There are lots of ways to help with our work, from making a donation through to holding fundraising events or even getting involved as a volunteer. Below, you can explore the different ways to help us continue raising standards for animals.