Draft:Animal Welfare Investigations Project

Animal Welfare Investigations Project

Abbreviation	AWIP
Formation	November 23, 2021 (2021-11-23)
Founder	Jacob Lloyd
Type	Animal welfare organisation
Legal status	Registered company
Purpose	Investigating and combating organised animal cruelty
Headquarters	Bristol, England
Region	Global
Executive Director	Jacob Lloyd
Website	awip.org.uk

The Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) is an animal welfare organisation founded in November 2021 by Jacob Lloyd.

The organisation is dedicated to investigating and combating organised animal cruelty across the globe, with a particular focus on dog fighting, wildlife crime, and the illegal puppy trade.

AWIP operates out of the United Kingdom and collaborates with law enforcement agencies worldwide to bring perpetrators of animal cruelty to justice.

History

AWIP was established on November 23, 2021, by Jacob Lloyd, who serves as the Executive Director. Jacob Lloyd is a Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator through the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) in the United States. The organisation's headquarters is located in Bristol, England. AWIP is registered as a limited company in England and Wales and chooses not to operate as a charity to maintain flexibility in its operations and campaigning efforts.

Activities and Achievements

AWIP focuses on several key areas of animal welfare:

Dog Fighting

AWIP's Intelligence Unit actively investigates dog fighting networks in the UK, the US, and other countries. These investigations aim to identify participants and gather evidence to support prosecutions. Despite legal prohibitions, dog fighting remains prevalent in certain regions, and AWIP works tirelessly to disrupt these operations and rescue the animals involved.

Wildlife Crime

The organisation addresses various forms of wildlife crime, including badger baiting, fox hunting, and bird trapping. AWIP collaborates with local authorities to investigate and dismantle wildlife trafficking networks. Notably, AWIP played a significant role in busting a wildlife trafficking network in the Philippines, resulting in the rescue of 149 turtles.

Illegal Puppy Trade

AWIP has conducted numerous investigations into the illegal puppy trade, uncovering extensive networks involved in the breeding and trafficking of puppies under inhumane conditions. These efforts have led to a high conviction rate and have significantly disrupted the illegal trade in various regions.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Training

In addition to its investigative work, AWIP provides specialised training in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) to law enforcement agencies. This training equips investigators with advanced skills to gather and analyse online information related to organised animal crime. In May 2024, AWIP hosted a successful OSINT training webinar for U.S.-based investigators and prosecutors, enhancing their capabilities in combating dog fighting and other forms of animal cruelty.

Governance and Transparency

AWIP is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations. Over 85% of the organisation's budget is allocated directly to frontline programs, ensuring that the majority of resources are used to support investigations and rescue operations. The organisation also publishes annual reports and maintains high ratings on platforms like Trustpilot, reflecting strong support and trust from its donors and the public.