UK wildlife under threat as government considers scrapping police investigation team

Doubts remain over the future of the UK’s wildlife crime investigation team that could be shut down due to Government funding cuts.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) supports the UK’s police forces in tackling wildlife crimes, but animals will be at greater risk of harm if it is scrapped.

The team costs just £427,000 a year to run but government officials have refused to guarantee the unit’s future.

Previously, wildlife policing teams have helped WDC investigate incidents of dolphin harassment by boats and jet skis, and dealt with cases involving the illegal possession and trade in whale teeth and bones.