Jacob Lloyd is the Executive Director and Head of Investigations at the Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP), a leading organisation dedicated to combating organised animal cruelty. His work involves investigating some of the most severe crimes against animals, including dog fighting, wildlife crime, and the dog meat trade. Jacob also tackles a wide range of other offences, bringing his expertise to uncover cases that often go unnoticed. Through his efforts, he seeks to hold offenders accountable and push for systemic change in how these crimes are addressed.
Jacob is a staunch advocate for stronger sentencing for animal abusers. He believes that harsher penalties are essential to ensuring accountability and creating a powerful deterrent against future offences. His advocacy work involves collaborating with legal professionals and policymakers to strengthen animal welfare laws, ensuring that those who harm animals face significant consequences.
In addition to his investigative and advocacy roles, Jacob is a trainer in open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques. He regularly provides training to law enforcement agencies and animal cruelty investigators, equipping them with the tools to leverage publicly available information for their cases. These OSINT skills are invaluable for identifying perpetrators, gathering evidence, and building stronger cases against those who commit crimes against animals.
Jacob’s professional credentials are extensive. He is one of the Founding Members of the UK OSINT Community, a network dedicated to promoting the ethical use of OSINT for societal good. This group brings together professionals from diverse fields, including law enforcement, journalism, and humanitarian work, to share best practices and foster collaboration. As a founding member, Jacob has played a crucial role in shaping the community’s direction and objectives.
Notably, Jacob was one of the first individuals in the UK to achieve the Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator qualification through the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI). This distinction places him among a select group of professionals who possess specialised skills in investigating animal cruelty cases. His certification covers critical areas such as evidence collection, legal frameworks, and report writing, ensuring investigations meet the highest standards.
In addition to this, Jacob is one of the few—if not the only—certified OSINT professionals working specifically in the field of animal cruelty investigations. This unique combination of OSINT expertise and animal welfare specialisation sets him apart as a leader in his field. His work has been instrumental in advancing the use of OSINT to investigate animal cruelty.
Jacob has led numerous undercover operations, often working in challenging and dangerous environments. His investigations have exposed illegal dogfighting rings, dismantled wildlife trafficking operations, and shed light on the brutal realities of the dog meat trade. These efforts have resulted in the rescue of countless animals and the prosecution of those responsible for their suffering. His work has not only brought justice to these cases but also raised public awareness about the severity of animal cruelty crimes.
As part of his mission to inspire and educate others, Jacob frequently mentors new investigators, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. He believes in the power of collaboration and the importance of building a strong network of professionals dedicated to animal welfare. By fostering these connections, he helps ensure that investigations are thorough, impactful, and aligned with best practices.
Jacob’s passion for animal welfare and commitment to justice drive every aspect of his work. Whether he is advocating for policy changes, training others in advanced investigative techniques, or leading covert operations, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: creating a world where animals are protected, and those who harm them are brought to justice.
Through his leadership at AWIP and his contributions to the UK OSINT Community, Jacob continues to set new standards for excellence in animal cruelty investigations. His work serves as a powerful example of how expertise and dedication can bring about meaningful change.