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Metropolitan Police reduces wildlife crime unit
Born Free says that investment is vital for tackling wildlife crime.
Detectives are being redeployed to local crime problems.

Born Free has criticised the Metropolitan Police, after it was revealed it would be reducing the role of its Central Wildlife Crime Unit.

The wildlife conservation charity has appealed to the Metropolitan Police commissioner and the mayor of London, as detectives previously investigating wildlife crime are redeployed to cases of local crime.

Wildlife crime can include illegal hunting, animal cruelty and collecting or trading protected species. It covers crime which causes pain and suffering for animals, and may push some species closer to extinction.

These crimes can also be related to other serious crimes, including firearms offences and organised crime.

The Central Wildlife Crime Unit, formed in 2004, has worked with the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the Wildlife Trafficking team at UK Border Force. Members of the public are currently encouraged to contact the force if they believe a crime against wildlife has been committed.

Born Free says that, unchecked, wildlife crime can damage wildlife conservation and cause extreme animal suffering. It says that investment in specialised enforcement is vital to tackling these crimes.

The charity believes that the Central Wildlife Crime Unit has been an important part in tackling wildlife crime, and the reductions made to its services will make it easier for criminals to commit offences.

Dr Mark Jones, Born Free’s head of policy, said: “With the world’s wildlife in crisis, and with wildlife crime increasing across the globe, including here in the UK, the news that the Metropolitan Police plans to disband its highly effective Wildlife Crime Unit is very disturbing.”

He added: “We urge the Met Police commissioner and the mayor of London to think again.”

The Metropolitan Police were contacted for comment.

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.