Online investigations for the protection of animals can cover several areas, such as identifying illegal wildlife trade, exposing animal abuse, tracking down puppy farms, and monitoring compliance with animal welfare laws.

Key techniques and tools include:

• Social Media Monitoring: Searching for evidence of illegal animal sales or abuse on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Tools like CrowdTangle or advanced search operators can help.
• Marketplace & Dark Web Investigations: Monitoring platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and darknet markets for illegal wildlife trade.
• Reverse Image Search: Using tools like Google Lens, TinEye, and Yandex to trace images of mistreated animals back to their sources.
• WHOIS & IP Lookup: Investigating domain ownership of websites involved in animal exploitation using WHOIS lookup services.
• Open-source intelligence (OSINT) Tools: Maltego, SpiderFoot, and other OSINT tools can help trace the digital footprints of those involved in animal cruelty.
• Satellite & Drone Imaging: For large-scale operations like tracking illegal poaching or deforestation affecting wildlife.
• Crowdsourcing & Whistleblower Platforms: Encouraging the public to report suspicious activities via websites like iWorry or Report Wildlife Crime.

Online investigations have become pivotal in uncovering and combating animal cruelty in the UK. Through digital sleuthing, authorities and activists have exposed various forms of abuse, leading to significant legal actions and heightened public awareness.

Exposing Online Animal Torture Rings

In a harrowing case, two British women were sentenced to prison for their involvement in a global online monkey torture network. They shared and facilitated the distribution of videos depicting extreme cruelty towards monkeys, catering to individuals who derived perverse pleasure from such content. This investigation highlighted the dark underbelly of online platforms being used to perpetuate animal abuse.
the sun.ie

Uncovering Illegal Puppy Farming Linked to Organised Crime

Authorities in Scotland have raised alarms about the surge in illegal puppy farming, especially during festive seasons. Investigations revealed that unlicensed breeders were selling puppies online at exorbitant prices, with proceeds often funnelled into organised crime activities such as drug distribution and money laundering. To curb this illicit trade, the public has been urged to exercise caution and ensure they purchase pets from authorised breeders
thetimes.co.uk

Investigating Animal Welfare in Accredited Institutions

Undercover investigations have also spotlighted animal welfare practices within institutions accredited by reputable organisations. Notably, exposés revealed instances of animal mistreatment in facilities approved by the RSPCA’s Assured scheme. These findings prompted public figures like Chris Packham and Caroline Lucas to resign from the RSPCA, accusing the charity of “delegitimising cruelty” and calling for more stringent oversight.
theguardian.com

The Role of Cybersecurity in Animal Protection

In a unique intersection of cybersecurity and animal welfare, a cybersecurity expert was convicted for hacking into the accounts of hunt officials across the UK. Her actions were aimed at exposing illegal hunting activities by leaking personal information of hunt members to animal rights activists. While her intentions were rooted in animal protection, the methods employed raised legal and ethical questions, leading to her conviction.
thetimes.co.uk

These instances underscore the critical role of online investigations in identifying and addressing animal cruelty. They also highlight the ethical and legal complexities involved in such endeavours, emphasising the need for a balanced approach that upholds animal welfare and legal standards.

The Naturewatch Foundation has been at the forefront of online investigations to protect animals. Their efforts have uncovered various forms of wildlife crime, including badger baiting, snaring, poisoning, and sett interference. By monitoring online platforms and gathering intelligence, they have exposed these illegal activities and advocated for more vigorous enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
m.facebook.com

In another instance, the Foundation issued warnings about breeding “hairless bully cats,” a trend gaining traction on social media. Bred for their exaggerated features, these cats suffer from numerous health issues. The Naturewatch Foundation aims to curb the demand and discourage unethical breeding practices by highlighting the online promotion of such breeds.
the sun.ie

These instances underscore the critical role of online investigations in identifying and addressing animal cruelty. They also highlight the ethical and legal complexities involved in such endeavours, emphasising the need for a balanced approach that upholds animal welfare and legal standards.