Help Train Detection Dogs to Stop Wildlife Crime

In the remote hills and moorlands of the UK, Hen Harriers and other birds of prey are being relentlessly persecuted — illegally shot, poisoned, trapped, and hidden away to cover the crime. Despite over 40 years of legal protection, far too many of these cases go undetected and unpunished.

But there is fresh hope — in the extraordinary scent-tracking skills of specially trained detection dogs.

These highly trained animals are a breakthrough in the fight against raptor persecution, capable of locating hidden carcasses, satellite tags, and even traces of the criminals themselves — even in the most unforgiving terrain.

Hen Harrier Action is raising £10,000 to support the National Wildlife Crime Unit NWCU in training and deploying wildlife crime detection dogs.

“We’ve tested the dogs on several deployments and they’ve been incredibly effective – even finding carcasses buried underground.” — DI Mark Harrison, Head of the NWCU Hen Harrier Task Force

Detection dogs like Henry are already making a difference. Now we want to train Gem — and others — to expand this critical work.

• £3,000 covers the full training of one detection dog

• £1,000 funds one field deployment in difficult terrain

Every donation will go directly to the NWCU, ringfenced for this purpose and your support will help fund training, equipment, and field operations throughout 2025 and beyond.

If you care about Hen Harriers and our birds of prey, please consider supporting this appeal and join us in the fight to give these birds a positive future.

Donate now to the Hen Harrier Action Wildlife Crime Detection Dog Appeal.