A Springer Spaniel named Henry has won the title of Animal of the Year at the prestigious International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) awards. Recognized for his exceptional abilities in wildlife crime detection, Henry was rescued by Louise Wilson from Wrexham.
Henry: The Superdog
At just ten years old, Henry has overcome a challenging start. Rejected by five families, he was initially a “lost soul.” However, his energetic nature found purpose through his work in wildlife conservation and crime detection.
Detecting Wildlife Crime
Henry is trained to detect seven distinct scents, which include the likes of birds of prey and hedgehogs. His keen sense of smell has been instrumental in aiding law enforcement tackle wildlife crime.
- Identifies bird carcasses and small monitoring tags.
- Assists the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) in gathering evidence against offenders.
- Contributes to ecological monitoring for species such as pine martens and otters.
Detective Inspector Mark Harrison from the NWCU noted the importance of Henry’s contributions. “If we don’t recover anything, the investigation grinds to a halt,” he stated. Recently, Henry helped uncover a tiny bird’s skull hidden under heather, showcasing his remarkable skills.
A Formidable Team
Louise Wilson, who has extensive experience training dogs for various detection tasks, identified Henry’s potential early on. His strong will and high energy make him an ideal candidate for conservation detection work.
Henry’s success at the IFAW awards, held in London, reflects a collaboration of remarkable effort between him and Louise. Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan commended their teamwork, emphasizing the dedication required to train such a spirited dog.
Through his efforts, Henry has not only contributed to law enforcement but has also become a symbol of hope in wildlife conservation. His recognition at the Animal Action Awards highlights the significant role animals play in protecting our wildlife.
