Special Investigations Unit

Our dedicated investigations unit

From animal fighting, to the persecution of wildlife and the horrific illegal puppy trade, serious animal welfare crimes happen every day in Scotland. And that’s where our special investigations unit (SIU) comes in. 

SIU are tasked with bringing people who commit the worst animal welfare crimes to justice. 

Taking animal abusers to task

Many people in Scotland are unaware of just how rife serious crimes towards animals are. In fact, our SIU team is busier than ever. They gather intelligence on people who engage in these despicable acts and often confront hardened, organised criminals who have no regard for animal welfare. 

SIU is at the forefront of the struggle to eradicate the worst types of animal cruelty. Many people in Scotland are unaware of just how rampant these are. 

Among other things, the team deal with:

• Badger baiting
• Animal fighting
• Puppy farming
• Illegal trapping and snaring
• Wildlife crimes
• Birds of prey persecution 

Tackling the illegal puppy trade

Illegal puppy farming is a multi-million-pound criminal empire where no thought is given to the welfare of pups and the dogs used to breed them. Many puppies from these farms die within days of being sold. We are working hard to catch and convict those involved in this barbaric trade.

Our SIU spearhead Operation Delphin, a multi-agency taskforce designed to bring illegal puppy traders to justice across the UK. It is supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council, ISPCA, RSPCA, USPCA, DSPCA, Stena Line, Police Scotland and others. Disrupting the multimillion pound industry is one of the Society’s main priorities, and its #SayNoToPuppyDealers campaign has received widespread public and cross-party political support. Find out more at www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk.