The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has saved the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit in a groundbreaking £100,000 funding agreement.
The police unit, which serves London, was severely lacking in funds leaving its two senior officers on the brink of early retirement. Now, thanks to WSPA these jobs have been saved and an additional constable and staff researcher will be appointed. More money will also be available for training, enforcement and awareness campaigns.
With high demand for illegally smuggled animal products used in Asian medicines the unit has been fully stretched. Over 30,000 endangered species items have been seized by the Metropolitan Police since 1995.
The WSPA funding comes after 18 months of negotiations following government austerity cuts and will protect the unit’s survival for at least a year.
Welcoming the news Suzi Morris, WSPA UK Director, said:
“The capital remains a major hub for global wildlife crime – a fact that WSPA cannot ignore as we are headquartered in London. As the leading international animal welfare charity, we felt that it was our duty to help the WCU create a lasting enforcement legacy.”
With the number of police officers falling by 6,000 in the last year this is now the third police unit in the country which has been rescued by an external organisation. The national Dedicated Cheque and Plastic crime unit is funded by the banking industry and the Plant and Agricultural Intelligence Unit is funded by the construction industry.
