 Official logo of AWIP | |
| Abbreviation | AWIP |
|---|---|
| Formation | November 23, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-11-23) |
| Type | Animal welfare organisation |
| Legal status | Registered company |
| Purpose | Investigating and combating organised animal cruelty |
| Headquarters | London, England |
Region | Global |
Key people | Jacob Lloyd (Founder and CEO)[1] |
| Website | awip.org.uk |
TheAnimal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) is ananimal welfare organisation established in November 2021 by its founder and current Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Lloyd.
The organisation is dedicated to investigating and combating organised animal cruelty across the globe, with a particular focus on dog fighting, wildlife crime, and the illegal puppy trade.
AWIP operates out of the United Kingdom and collaborates with law enforcement agencies worldwide to bring perpetrators of animal cruelty to justice.
AWIP was established on November 23, 2021 by its founder and current Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Lloyd. The organisation's headquarters is located in London, England.
AWIP is registered as a limited company in England and Wales and chooses not to operate as a charity to maintain flexibility in its operations and campaigning efforts.[2][3]
The Animal Welfare Investigations Project is registered with the Fundraising Regulator.[4]
AWIP focuses on several key areas of animal welfare:
AWIP's Intelligence Unit actively investigates dog fighting networks in the UK, the US, the Philippines, and other countries. These investigations aim to identify participants and gather evidence to support prosecutions. Despite legal prohibitions, dog fighting remains prevalent in certain regions, and AWIP works tirelessly to disrupt these operations and rescue the animals involved.[5][6][7]
In July 2025, the Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) carried out an intelligence-led investigation intodog fighting inTarlac City,Philippines. Following a search warrant executed by AWIP, thePhilippine National Police (PNP) and thePresidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), a man was arrested and dogs alleged to have been used in fighting were recovered along withdog fightingparaphernalia. It was reported to be the first such investigation in the Philippines in over thirteen years.[8][9][10]
The organisation addresses various forms of wildlife crime, including badger baiting, fox hunting, and bird trapping. AWIP collaborates with local authorities to investigate and dismantle wildlife trafficking networks. Notably, AWIP played a significant role in busting a wildlife trafficking network in the Philippines, resulting in the rescue of 149 turtles.[11]
AWIP has conducted numerous investigations into the illegal puppy trade, uncovering extensive networks involved in the breeding and trafficking of puppies under inhumane conditions. These efforts have led to a high conviction rate and have significantly disrupted the illegal trade in various regions.[12]
Working alongside thePhilippine National Police, AWIP has investigated the dog meat trade in thePhilippines.[13][14]
In addition to its investigative work, AWIP provides specialised training in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) to law enforcement agencies. This training equips investigators with advanced skills to gather and analyse online information related to organised animal crime. In May 2024, AWIP hosted a successful OSINT training webinar for U.S.-based investigators and prosecutors, enhancing their capabilities in combating dog fighting and other forms of animal cruelty.[15][16]
