Our Impact for Animals
Bearing Witness - Inspiring Change
Whilst the majority of our investigations have resulted in raising public awareness of an issue via viral media storms with millions of concerned citizens engaging with the investigations, some have also had a very direct impact on politicians, legislators, and companies. effect on the lives of animals Our work exemplifies the influential role of investigative journalism in driving significant, lasting improvements in animal welfare practices worldwide.
Here is a small sample of just some of the impact Tracks Investigations has enabled our partner organisations to achieve throughout the last ten years:
UK Government Introduces New Legislation To Tackle Puppy Smuggling.
Following our 5th investigation into the issue since 2014 - which has transformed the issue of puppy smuggling from a niche animal welfare issue to one of the most prominent animal issues - the Government department DEFRA introduces the “Kept Animals Bill” in Parliament which includes the ban on imported puppies under 6 months of age entering the UK. This has been the number one ask in all the investigation reports we have undertaken for the Dogs Trust on the issue.
UK Parliament Bans Live Exports:
A Historic Win for Animal Welfare.
Government In May 2020, the UK Parliament passed a historic ban on live animal exports, ending a practice that caused immense suffering. Since the 1990s, Tracks Investigations and I have conducted countless investigations for Compassion in World Framing (CIWF) exposing the cruelty of this trade and revealing the harsh conditions animals endure during long journeys.
This ban highlights the power of investigative work in promoting change. We extend our deepest gratitude to CIWF for their persistent lobbying efforts, which were crucial in achieving this victory.
Spanish Animal Lab Suspends Animal Testing Due To Investigation.
Tracks produced an investigative campaign and lobbying film (in Spanish) watched by almost a million people that helped the campaign by Cruelty-Free International to shut down an animal lab and raise awareness of the cruelty of toxicity testing on animals.
Regional officials in Spain halted all activity at the animal testing facility shortly after the film was broadcast.
Australia’s Live Export Industry
Our pivotal investigation into the live cattle trade with Indonesia, conducted alongside Animals Australia, has significantly impacted animal welfare and industry standards. Our findings, prominently featured on ABC's premier current affairs show, initiated a widespread public debate and led to mass protests against live exports, enhancing national awareness and compassion for animal treatment.
Since initiating our investigative efforts into live exports for Animals Australia, there's been a remarkable 87% decrease in sheep exports from Australia, equating to 6 million fewer animals shipped annually. Our consistent push for change has not only achieved substantial legislative adjustments within Australia but has also set new international benchmarks for animal welfare. Our work exemplifies the influential role of investigative journalism in driving significant, lasting improvements in animal welfare practices worldwide.
UPDATE MAY 2024.
The Australian Parliament announced a ban on live sheep exports, set to take effect in 2028.
French Government Introduces Ground Breaking Animal Welfare Bill
This bill includes three amazing pieces of animal welfare legislation which were the direct result of Tracks’ investigations over the last 4 years:
Ban of fur farms in France, Following 3 in-depth investigations since 2017.
Bear Shows and keeping of wild bears banned. In 2019 we exposed the terrible conditions for three “performing” bears (Miscah, Glasy and Bony) who were kept in bare concrete dungeons for 15 years and were in terrible health.
Wild animals in circuses to be banned. In 2019/2020 we undertook two investigations highlighting the conditions for 10 circus tigers kept on at the back of a truck in an industrial estate.
Fur Farming Banned in France
Huge breakthrough for wild animals in France as minister for Environment announces a ban of fur farming in France and the closure of the 4 remaining fur farms.
Tracks has undertaken 3 investigations over the last five years, visiting documenting conditions in all fur farms in the country which has led to widespread public outrage which has put pressure on the French Government to act.
Factory Farm Investigations in Europe
Our investigations for Compassion in World Farming were instrumental providing visual evidence for “End The Cage Age” campaign which resulted in the European Commission announcing it would put forward legislation to end the use of cages for farmed animals. This followed the European Citizens’ Initiative to End the Cage Age, which was signed by almost 1.4 million EU citizens.
Slaughter Without Stunning Banned in Belgium.
A ban on slaughter without stunning comes into force in Belgium after a number of investigations over 10 years.
Belgium Bans Fur
Belgium announces a ban on fur farming Tracks provided the only investigative footage of fur farming in that region that helped galvanise politicians into action.