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ILLEGAL WILDLIFE
TRADE seizures right here in London
 The
recent conviction of a fur dealer for selling coats from endangered
cat species underlines the importance of the Wildlife Crime Unit
run by the Metropolitan Police.
A dealer in Camden, North London was found
guilty of selling coats made from leopard, ocelot and even one
from a tiger, all of which are subject to trade controls under
the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES).
All this comes at a time when the Wildlife
Crime Unit is threatened with closure due to budget cuts. The
Metropolitan Police confirmed they might cut two of the four roles
within the unit after April 2008.
 Operation
Charm is the only initiative run by the police against the illegal
wildlife trade in the UK. In 2006 this project became a partnership
with David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), WWF-UK, International
Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the Greater London Authority,
and the Active Conservation Awareness Programme (ACAP).
With the plight of endangered species becoming
more acute, it is essential that the Wildlife Crime Unit are able
to continue their vital work to prevent illegal trade in the UK.
DSWF is committed to this initiative and
will fight to prevent the closure of the Wildlife Crime Unit,
which if it happened, would be a victory for illegal traders and
a disaster for endangered species.
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Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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