Discover how Jacob Lloyd became an animal cruelty investigator, applying OSINT and criminal investigation techniques to combat organised animal crime.
When people ask me, “Is that a real job?” my answer is simple: “Yes, and it’s as real as the cruelty I’m working to expose.” That question often comes with raised eyebrows and a curious smile, but I understand where it comes from. Animal cruelty investigations don’t follow the typical career path. It’s not a job you stumble into—it’s a calling that requires passion, persistence, and a unique set of skills.
My journey to becoming an animal cruelty investigator started long before I even knew such a job existed. From rescuing injured wildlife as a teenager to applying advanced investigative techniques to organised animal crime, every step of my career has shaped the work I do today. Here’s how it all began and what keeps me going.
Early Passion: Rescuing Wildlife
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a deep connection with animals. Growing up, I was the go-to person for any injured bird or hedgehog in the neighbourhood. Whether it was rescuing a fox caught in a snare or helping a family of ducklings cross a busy road, I found purpose in every small act of kindness.
These early experiences taught me two things. First, animals are incredibly vulnerable to the actions of humans. Second, even the smallest intervention can make a big difference in an animal’s life. I didn’t know it at the time, but these lessons would become the foundation of my career.
By my early teens, I was volunteering at animal rescue centres, working to help protect animals. But as fulfilling as this was, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to do more. I wanted to address the root causes of cruelty, not just the aftermath.
Discovering Investigative Work
After finishing school, I took a job as a criminal investigator for an organisation. This was a turning point in my life. In this role, I learned the tradecraft of investigations—how to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and build cases that could stand up in court.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of proactive investigations. Instead of waiting for a crime to happen and reacting, we focused on gathering intelligence and dismantling criminal networks before they could cause more harm. This approach, often used in drug trafficking and organised crime cases, was incredibly effective.
I also developed skills in digital forensics, learning how to extract and analyse data from devices to uncover hidden evidence. These tools became crucial in building strong cases and securing convictions. It was during this time that I realised these same techniques could be applied to a field I was deeply passionate about: animal welfare.
Treating Animal Crimes Like Organised Crime
The more I learned about organised crime, the more I saw parallels with the world of animal cruelty. Whether it’s dog fighting rings, wildlife trafficking, or the dog meat trade, these operations often function like criminal enterprises. They rely on networks of people, financial incentives, and, increasingly, digital communication to operate.
I began to see how the techniques I was using—proactive investigations, digital forensics, and intelligence gathering—could be adapted to combat organised animal crime. By treating animal cruelty investigations with the same level of seriousness and professionalism as other major crimes, I could make a real impact.
This was a pivotal realisation. It shifted my focus from simply responding to cruelty to proactively targeting the networks that enable it. The goal wasn’t just to rescue animals from immediate harm but to dismantle the systems that allowed cruelty to thrive in the first place.
The Power of OSINT
One of the most powerful tools in my investigative toolkit is open-source intelligence (OSINT). OSINT involves gathering information from publicly available sources, such as social media, online marketplaces, and even obscure forums. It’s a game-changer in modern investigations, allowing us to uncover leads and gather evidence without ever leaving the office.
In the context of animal welfare, OSINT has proven invaluable. For example, a single social media post boasting about dogfighting can lead to an entire network of offenders. Online sales of exotic animals often provide critical evidence of wildlife trafficking. With OSINT, we can do more with less, targeting offenders quickly and efficiently.
I’ve become a strong advocate for OSINT in animal cruelty investigations, and I’ve had the privilege of training law enforcement officers and fellow investigators in these techniques. It’s incredibly rewarding to see others adopt these methods and use them to bring offenders to justice.
Becoming Certified and Founding the UK OSINT Community
To further specialise in this field, I pursued the Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator qualification through the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI). This program provided advanced training in evidence collection, legal frameworks, and report writing—all crucial skills for building strong cases.
I was among the first in the UK to achieve this certification, and it’s something I’m proud of. It not only validated my skills but also opened doors to collaborate with other professionals in the field.
In addition to this, I am a Founding Member of the UK OSINT Community, a network dedicated to advancing the ethical use of OSINT. This community brings together professionals from diverse fields, including journalism, law enforcement, and humanitarian work, to share best practices and improve investigative methods. Being part of this group has been a highlight of my career, as it allows me to contribute to the broader conversation about how we can use technology for good.
Challenges and Rewards
There’s no sugar-coating it: this job is tough. The emotional toll of witnessing cruelty, the frustration of navigating legal obstacles, and the pressure to deliver results can weigh heavily. But for every difficult moment, there’s a reward that makes it all worthwhile.
Seeing animals rescued from horrific conditions, knowing that offenders are being held accountable, and contributing to systemic change are the reasons I keep going. This work isn’t just a job—it’s a mission, and one that I’m deeply committed to.
Advice for Aspiring Investigators
For those considering a career in animal cruelty investigations, my advice is simple: start by building your skills. Volunteer with animal welfare organisations, take courses in investigative techniques, and consider certifications like the one I pursued.
Learn about the tools of the trade, especially OSINT and digital forensics, as they’ll give you a significant edge in your work. And most importantly, be prepared for the challenges. This field requires resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to justice.
The Future of Animal Cruelty Investigations
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the future of animal cruelty investigations. As more people enter the field and adopt advanced techniques, we’re seeing a shift towards more proactive, impactful work. Technology will continue to play a crucial role, and I’m excited to see how tools like AI and machine learning can further enhance our capabilities.
At the same time, there’s still much work to be done. Stronger laws, better resources, and greater public awareness are all needed to keep pushing forward. I’m committed to being part of that effort and helping others join the fight.
Final Thoughts
My journey to becoming an animal cruelty investigator has been one of passion, learning, and evolution. From rescuing wildlife as a teenager to leading complex investigations, every step has shaped who I am and what I do.
This work is more than a career—it’s a calling. It challenges me, pushes me, and inspires me every day. And while the fight against animal cruelty is far from over, I’m proud to be on the front lines, working to create a world where animals are protected, and justice is served.