The efficacy of dog olfaction as a tool in transnational wildlife law enforcement in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Abstract

Transnational Wildlife crimes are on the rise in East Africa. This has led to the need to enhance law enforcement to deter illegal wildlife trade and crimes in the region. The research carried out shows that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have set up detection dog units under their law enforcement institutions to enhance investigations and deter transnational wildlife crimes. This study seeks to establish the adequacy and efficacy of the legal and institutional frameworks on the use of detection and tracker dogs in investigation and such evidence in prosecution of transnational wildlife crimes in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. It examines the suitability of detection and tracker dogs in wildlife law enforcement and protection of wildlife species generally. It interrogates the legal provisions and effectiveness as well as institutional functions including agencies and authorities and their capacity to carry out their mandate in detection, prosecution of wildlife crimes and conservation of wildlife species. It further evaluates the admissibility of dog olfactory evidence in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Courts. Qualitative and quantitative research was carried out to meet the study objectives. The field study was carried out in Kenya Uganda and Tanzania. The interviews target law enforcement officers under KWS, UWA and TAWA including prosecutors, investigators and dog handlers. The findings of the study show that inadequate detection measures in transnational wildlife law enforcement contributes to increased illegal trade and wildlife crimes. The study further suggests that inadequate sub-regulations on the use dog olfaction tool may hinder the successful prosecution of and eventual deterrence of wildlife crimes. It provides a way forward on the use of dog olfaction tool in investigations and prosecution of wildlife crimes for enhance conservation of wildlife species and deterrence of wildlife crimes