Gavin Howe
Animals can't be held accountable for their actions in the same way humans are, but that doesn't mean they can't break the law. In her book, *Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law*, Mary Roach explores the curious science of human-wildlife conflict, a discipline that sits at the crossroads of human behaviour and wildlife biology.
Three hundred years ago, animals that broke the law were assigned legal representation and put on trial. Today, the consequences are rarely so gentle. Animals deemed pests or dangerous are often killed en masse. In her book, Roach travels from the US to India, New Zealand, and the Vatican, investigating the ways in which humans attempt to control or redirect animal behaviour.
In the US, animal protection laws can be enacted and enforced at every level of government. There are federal laws, such as the Animal Welfare Act, the PACT Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as state and local laws.
But what happens when wildlife breaks the law? Roach's book explores the often bemusing, sometimes grisly world of animal, plant, and human encounters. From foul-tempered elephants to undeterred seagulls and dumpster-diving bears, Roach reveals as much about humanity as about nature's lawbreakers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals are not prosecuted for breaking the law | Animals used to be assigned legal representation and put on trial |
| Human-wildlife conflict is a recognised field of study | Human-wildlife conflict is at the crossroads of human behaviour and wildlife biology |
| Animals are considered perpetrators of crimes | Animals are not fined or told what the law is |
| Animals are considered pests | Animals are considered varmints |
| Animals are considered invasive species | Animals are considered native species |
| Animals are considered vermin | Animals are considered dangerous |
| Animals are considered to have broken the law | Animals are considered to have been assigned legal representation |
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What You'll Learn
Animal cruelty laws
Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states of the USA, with animal protection laws enacted and enforced at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Most animal protection legislation happens at the state level, with each state determining what constitutes cruelty and the associated penalties. There are also a handful of federal animal protection laws, including:
- The Animal Welfare Act (AWA): This law, enacted in 1966, is the primary federal animal protection law. It involves animals kept at zoos, used in laboratories, and commercially bred and sold. The AWA directs the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture to set minimum standards for the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of these animals. Dog fighting and cockfighting are also prohibited under the AWA.
- The "28 Hour Law": This law, enacted in 1873, requires vehicles transporting certain animals for slaughter to stop every 28 hours to allow the animals to exercise and have food and water.
- The Humane Slaughter Act, or the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act: This law, first passed in 1958 and amended in 1978, requires that animals be stunned into unconsciousness before slaughter to minimize pain.
- The Endangered Species Act: Enacted in 1973, this law protects fish, mammals, birds, and plants listed as threatened or endangered in the United States and beyond. It outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species and includes criminal and civil penalties for violations.
- The PACT (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture) Act: Signed into law in 2019, the PACT Act makes certain forms of animal cruelty, such as crushing, burning, drowning, and sexual exploitation, a federal crime.
- The Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act: This law, enacted in 2010, banned the creation and distribution of "crush videos," where small animals are tortured, crushed, and killed for the titillation of viewers.
- The Lacey Act: Enacted in 1900, this law bans illegal wildlife trafficking and was the first federal law protecting wild animals. It prohibits the trade and possession of illegally obtained wildlife and plants, as well as the falsification of documents related to their sale and shipment.
- The Swine Health Protection Act: Passed in 1980, this law is designed to minimize threats to public health, including zoonotic diseases, by prohibiting the feeding of garbage to swine.
In addition to these federal laws, many states have their own specific animal protection laws, such as "hot car laws," which criminalize leaving an animal in a vehicle in extreme weather, and anti-tethering laws that limit how long pets can be chained or tied up outdoors, especially in harsh weather conditions.
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Wildlife crime
The illegal trade in wildlife is a global issue that transcends national borders. Criminal syndicates control the trafficking of endangered species, much like drugs or weapons, exploiting the wildlife along the entire supply chain, from poaching and transportation to processing and selling. The high profitability and low risk of wildlife crime have led to the emergence of dangerous crime syndicates, which operate with impunity and drive species to the brink of extinction.
To combat this issue, international organisations like INTERPOL and non-governmental organisations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are playing crucial roles. INTERPOL's Wildlife Enforcement team coordinates with member countries to enforce national and international laws, dismantle transnational criminal networks, and bring wildlife criminals to justice. On the other hand, WWF leverages its global network and influence to push governments for stricter enforcement, stronger deterrents, and a reduction in demand for endangered species products.
One of the key challenges in addressing wildlife crime is the complex supply chain, which involves poachers, traffickers, and purchasers. Additionally, the trade is fuelled by the belief that products derived from endangered species, such as rhino horns, have medicinal properties. This has led to a surge in poaching and the illegal trade of rhino horns, with at least two rhinos killed every day.
The fight against wildlife crime requires a multifaceted approach, including increased law enforcement, international cooperation, demand reduction, and the protection of those on the front lines, such as rangers and local communities. By addressing these issues, we can hope to curb the illegal trade and protect our planet's precious flora and fauna for future generations.
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Animal-attack forensics
Identifying Animal Attacks
The presence of animal evidence at a crime scene, particularly animal hair, is a common occurrence. This evidence can be found on the victim's clothing or other items, providing valuable investigative leads. Through microscopic analysis, hairs can be identified to a specific species, aiding in establishing contact between the victim and a suspect or pet owner.
Determining Cause of Death
Forensic procedures are crucial when human remains are discovered outdoors to determine the cause of death, including homicide, suicide, accident, animal attack, or natural causes. Perforation wounds, bullet holes, and blunt force injuries typically indicate a criminal act. However, animal scavenging on corpses can complicate the investigation, making it challenging to determine the exact cause of death.
Understanding Animal Scavenging
Animals feeding on human remains leave distinct marks on bones and tissues. Wild carnivores, such as wild dogs and big cats, and scavenger birds like vultures, cause specific types of damage. Even in urban areas, rodents and domestic animals can access and feed on bodies, making it challenging for forensic investigators to determine the time, circumstance, and true cause of death.
Forensic Anthropology Expertise
Forensic anthropologists play a vital role in these cases, specialising in determining the gender, race, and age of unidentified remains, often through the study of bones. They can also discern the type of animal activity that led to the destruction of those remains. Additionally, drowned individuals found near water bodies may exhibit signs of animal activity, such as from crabs or fish.
Wildlife Forensics
Wildlife forensics is a branch of conservation genetics that focuses on the application of analytical techniques to produce DNA evidence, supporting the enforcement of legal conservation regulations. This field aims to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species by identifying species, populations, phylogenetic relationships, and individual identities.
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Human-wildlife conflict
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) defines HWC as "any interaction between humans and wildlife that results in negative impacts on human social, economic, or cultural life, the conservation of wildlife populations, or the environment." This conflict can lead to defensive and retaliatory killing of wildlife, threatening the long-term survival of iconic species such as elephants and tigers. Communities experiencing HWC may face financial losses, health and safety risks, food insecurity, and property damage.
Effective management of HWC is crucial to protect communities, prevent escalation, and promote coexistence. Strategies to mitigate HWC include creating barriers, deploying deterrents, translocating wildlife, compensation, community education, effective land-use planning, and the use of technology. The involvement of local communities and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that considers social, cultural, and economic contexts are essential for successful conflict resolution and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Mary Roach, in her book "Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law," explores the fascinating world of human-wildlife conflict. She highlights the challenges of controlling or redirecting animal behaviour and the need to shift towards coexistence. Roach's experiences, including an encounter with macaques in India, illustrate the complexities of human-wildlife interactions and the importance of finding sustainable solutions.
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Animal control
Understanding and Coexistence
It is important to acknowledge that human activities, such as expanding into animal habitats, can lead to conflicts. By understanding animal behaviours and taking preventive measures, we can reduce the frequency of such encounters. This includes securing garbage, not feeding wild animals, and being cautious in areas known for wildlife activity.
Humane Relocation
In cases where animals have strayed into human spaces, such as residential areas, humane relocation methods can be employed. This involves capturing the animals and releasing them back into suitable habitats away from human populations. This approach ensures the safety of both humans and animals while respecting the animals' natural instincts.
Wildlife-Friendly Design
Innovative design solutions can help minimise human-animal conflicts. For example, special lights can be installed on vehicles to prevent collisions with deer, and electric fences can be used to deter animals from entering specific areas. These methods allow for peaceful coexistence by creating boundaries that animals instinctively respect.
Education and Awareness
Educating communities about wildlife behaviour and the importance of conservation is crucial. When people understand the impact of their actions on wildlife, they can make more informed choices. Additionally, raising awareness about animal protection laws and reporting procedures empowers individuals to take appropriate action when they witness animal abuse or neglect.
Collaboration and Research
Collaboration between scientists, researchers, and wildlife specialists is vital for effective animal control. By studying animal behaviour and the impact of human activities, we can develop more targeted and humane strategies for managing conflicts. This includes exploring non-lethal methods, such as using lasers and scarecrows to deter birds, or employing langur impersonators to interact with monkeys and reduce their aggression.
Legal Protection and Enforcement
Strong animal protection laws are essential to deter animal abuse and hold perpetrators accountable. These laws should be enacted and enforced at the federal, state, and local levels. The Animal Welfare Act, the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act, and the Endangered Species Act are examples of federal legislation in the United States that aim to protect animals. Additionally, local ordinances, such as retail pet sale bans and anti-tethering laws, play a crucial role in safeguarding animals.
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Frequently asked questions
Animals cannot be held legally accountable for their actions, but there are laws in place to protect humans and other animals from harm. In the US, animal protection laws are enforced at the federal, state, and local levels. These laws cover a range of issues, from animal cruelty to wildlife trafficking and intensive confinement farming practices.
Animals may be considered to have broken the law when they enter human spaces, such as a bear breaking into a house or a moose jaywalking. Other examples include animals stealing food, such as monkeys in India or seagulls in Vatican City, or causing damage to property, like bears breaking into cars or elephants trampling crops.
There are a variety of methods to prevent or reduce human-animal conflicts, including education, relocation, and the use of deterrents or non-lethal tools. In some cases, lethal methods such as hunting or poisoning may be used, but these are often controversial and may not be effective in the long term.
One challenge is that animals are often just doing what is natural to them, such as seeking food or defending their territory. Additionally, human activities, such as habitat destruction and climate change, can increase the frequency and severity of these conflicts. Managing human-animal conflicts requires a balance between the needs of humans and animals, and finding solutions that are effective, ethical, and humane.
