Shannon Noelle Rivera
Current Research
This research originated as part of a Masters of Science dissertation from the University of Winchester, Department of Politics and Society, Centre from Animal Welfare.
The research focuses on the disposal of illegally traded and confiscated live animals. In response to the illegal wildlife trade, successful enforcement often involves the seizure, confiscation, and subsequent management of illegally traded wildlife. Unfortunately, confiscated live animals often experience substandard care. In this study, we investigate the barriers to the ‘disposal’ of confiscated live animals in Southeast Asia. ‘Disposal’ is the term used for what happens to illegally traded wildlife after confiscation. Guidelines for the ‘disposal’ of live specimens are provided by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), although individual nations must enforce this within their own legislation. Eighteen experts were interviewed from seven countries in Southeast Asia revealing eight categories of barriers to the disposal of confiscated live animals. Seven recommendations are proposed to help reform the disposal of confiscated live animals, which would support the efficient and humane management of illegally traded wildlife in Southeast Asia and globally. Contact for Full MSc Dissertation |