Wrexham’s Wildlife Crime-Fighting Dog Honored with Animal of the Year Award

Henry, a ten-year-old springer spaniel, has gained recognition for his commendable work in wildlife conservation. He collaborates with his handler, Louise Wilson, at Conservation K9 Consultancy and the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) to combat wildlife crime. His remarkable ability to detect illegally persecuted birds of prey, including several endangered species, has earned him the prestigious Animal of the Year Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Henry’s Unique Training and Abilities

Initially trained to detect hedgehogs, Henry has expanded his skill set to identify seven different scents, including those of pine martens and otters. This impressive training began after Louise adopted him. Henry was only eight months old at that time and had been rejected by five previous homes due to his energetic nature.

A Warm Welcome to a New Home

Louise, who had spent over 20 years working with detection dogs in Africa and the Middle East, saw Henry’s potential. She adopted him and has since integrated him into her team in Wrexham, where he lives with 11 other working dogs. Most of these dogs, like Henry, were rescued and have diverse skill sets contributing to various conservation efforts.

Recognition at the Animal Action Awards

Henry’s contributions were highlighted at the 2025 Animal Action Awards, the 25th iteration of the event, which honors individuals and projects in animal welfare. The ceremony took place at BAFTA London on October 16, hosted by wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan.

Community Support and Philosophy

• Henry is the oldest among the 12 operational dogs at Conservation K9 Consultancy.
• The consultancy prioritizes a no-kennel policy to ensure the dogs’ well-being.
• Louise emphasizes understanding each dog’s unique personality for better training and comfort.

Dan Carter, Vice President for Global Development at IFAW, praised Henry’s long-term commitment to conservation and his exceptional skills. He noted that Henry’s ability to detect satellite tags and various scents sets him apart as a remarkable working dog.

Overall, Henry’s journey from being a rejected puppy to a celebrated wildlife crime-fighting dog exemplifies the dedication to animal welfare and the importance of rescue dogs in conservation efforts.