🐾 OPERATION MAJOR – RAISING AWARENESS OF DOGS INJURED IN WILDLIFE CRIME

A message from your local PCSOs and Wildlife Officers,

As local PCSOs with additional responsibilities for wildlife crime, we are supporting Operation Major, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the injuries sustained by dogs that are used in the commission of wildlife crime.

Wildlife crime can take many forms, including the illegal pursuit, hunting and taking of wild animals. Sadly, dogs are sometimes used as part of these offences and can themselves become victims, suffering significant injuries in the process.

🐕 What should you look out for?

Dogs involved in wildlife crime may sustain injuries that are not immediately obvious. In particular, we are asking members of the public and veterinary professionals to be alert to unexplained or suspicious injuries to a dog's head, face, mouth or other areas of the body.

Other factors that may cause concern could include:

One observation on its own may not indicate an offence, and there may of course be perfectly legitimate explanations for an injury. However, information that appears unusual or concerning can be extremely valuable when considered alongside other intelligence.

👀 We need your help

If you have information that leads you to believe a dog is being used in connection with wildlife crime, please report your concerns rather than approaching or challenging the individual yourself.

Your information may help us build a clearer picture of what is happening locally, identify those responsible and, importantly, prevent further harm to both animals and people.

We are particularly keen to receive information from residents, dog owners, walkers, landowners and anyone who regularly spends time in the countryside or open spaces.

📞 How to report

If you have information about suspected wildlife crime, you can report it to West Midlands Police through the appropriate reporting channels.

You can also provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Please remember that you do not need to be certain that an offence has taken place before making a report. If something concerns you, reporting the information allows officers to assess it and determine whether further enquiries are appropriate.

Please do not put yourself, your dog or anyone else at risk by confronting suspected offenders.

🐾 Protecting animals. Protecting communities.

Animal welfare and wildlife crime are closely connected. Dogs used in illegal activities can themselves become victims of neglect, injury and exploitation.

As your local PCSOs and Wildlife Officers, we are committed to working with residents, partner agencies, veterinary practices and wildlife organisations to identify and tackle wildlife crime and ensure that concerns about animal welfare are not overlooked.

If you see something, say something. Your information could make a real difference.

OPERATION MAJOR

Raising awareness. Protecting animals. Tackling wildlife crime.