Rural-Urban Dimensions of the British Illegal Puppy Trade

Jennifer Maher, Tanya Wyatt

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

    Abstract

    Recently much attention has been given to the presence and increase of transnational and organised crime, with a particular focus on online illicit markets. While the rural to urban flow of illicit goods is documented (UNODC 2017), it is seldom the key focus. This paper details research on the illegal puppy trade, documenting the movement of puppies reared in irresponsible and/or illegal conditions in rural locations and then advertised online for the urban market. Through analysis of online advertisements in Scotland, expert interviews, and focus groups across Great Britain, we document the rural-urban dynamic of an overlooked transnational illicit market; a market facilitated by neo-liberalism and speciesism. While estimates on the value of the trade are problematic, the snapshot of online sales in Scotland, alone, suggests a marketplace with an annual value of L13 million (17,680 puppies). The cost of animal suffering associated with this trade is incalculable. Awareness must be raised and regulation and enforcement improved to reduce suffering and transnational criminals from profiting. This rural-urban dynamic presents a global challenge and demands an international response.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Aug 2018
    Event18th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology: Crimes Against Humans and Crimes Against Humanity Implications for Modern Criminolog - University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Duration: 29 Aug 20181 Sep 2018
    https://www.eurocrim2018.com/

    Conference

    Conference18th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology
    Abbreviated titleEuro Crime 2018
    Country/TerritoryBosnia and Herzegovina
    CitySarajevo
    Period29/08/181/09/18
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • green criminology; illegal puppy trade; rural-urban dimensions; animal harm; transnational illicit market

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