By Elena Gancheva | Fundraising manager
Wildlife crimes are among the most lucrative criminal activities, almost catching up with drugs and arms trafficking. They are often called "victimless crimes" because the victim can be hidden too easily – to be dismembered and disguised, to be thrown overboard, parts of it to cross the border unnoticed.
In the 21st century, the demand for wild animals or their products is still growing. People continue to search for ivory, tiger and bear skins, turtle shells, deer and goat antlers, and endangered bird eggs. It is extremely difficult to determine the true scale of wildlife crimes, as they are hidden, often international in nature, and aided by corruption at all levels.
The authorities in Bulgaria that have the right to investigate crimes and punish perpetrators are the police, the prosecution and the courts. However, they do not specialize in the field of wildlife and its conservation, have no experience in investigating such violations, and do not have a database of the crimes, their perpetrators and practice of the court. If they do not have the necessary information, preparation and specialized training, the chances of saving the wild animals from ruthless killing or captivity are drastically reduced.
13 partners from 11 countries in Europe join forces to improve law enforcement and prevent wildlife crime
What do we at WWF-Bulgaria promise?
1. We will analyze the scale and type of violations. For the first time in Bulgaria there will be a data base available to anyone willing to counteract illegal activities against wild animals.
2. We will organise special trainings for prosecutors to increase their knowledge of this type of crimes. We will show them good practices and appropriate solutions to the problem.
3. We will file alerts and take cases of particularly serious violations to court.
4. The WWF Bear Rescue Squad will continue to help animals in danger and work with local communities to prevent poaching.
5. We will create an online guide for active citizen participation.
WILDLIFE CRIMES ARE WILD CRIMES AGAINST LIFE
Thank you for being our supporter. We need you in this fight as it is a dangerous and challenging endeavor.
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