# How do you report animal cruelty abroad?

> Report animal cruelty abroad by documenting safely, noting the exact location, date, business name and species, then contacting local authorities, a recognised local rescue, tour operator, platform or embassy if there is immediate danger. Do not confront people or buy animals.

**Category:** Rescue & Welfare  ·  **Updated:** 2026-07-07

## Key takeaways
- Record location, date, business name, species and evidence safely.
- Do not confront sellers or handlers.
- Do not buy trafficked animals to rescue them.
- Use local authorities, recognised rescues and platform reports.

## Answer
Your safety comes first. Photograph signs, premises or online listings only if it is safe and legal to do so.

Buying an animal to “save” it usually funds the next capture and may break wildlife laws.

For wildlife trafficking, report to national wildlife crime authorities, customs, police or trusted NGOs that can advise on local routes.

## Why this question matters
Travellers often witness cruelty but do not know what to do. Unsafe confrontation can make things worse for both person and animal.

## The welfare-first answer
The welfare-first approach is careful evidence and the right reporting channel. Authorities need details they can act on, not vague outrage.

## What to do next
After reporting, leave a factual review if appropriate and tell tour companies why you will not support animal exploitation.

## FAQ
### Should I buy an animal to save it?
No. Payment funds the trader and can create demand for another animal.

### What evidence is useful?
Exact location, time, species, photos of signs or listings and business details, gathered safely.

### Can WARN rescue every reported animal?
No. WARN is not an emergency authority, but reports can help direct attention to trusted local channels.

## Sources
- [UNODC — wildlife and forest crime](https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/wildlife-and-forest-crime/index.html)
- [CITES — wildlife trade rules](https://cites.org/eng/disc/what.php)

Human-readable page: https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/answers/how-to-report-animal-cruelty-abroad