Speaker: Mike Veale

CEO & Founder, Global Conservation Force

Dates: 21–22 February 2026
Location: Thames Valley Police, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Detection dogs are becoming one of the most powerful tools in the global fight against wildlife crime—and they are quite literally on the frontlines.

In this eye-opening and experience-driven talk, conservationist and anti-poaching expert Mike Veale explores the critical role detection and protection K9s play in safeguarding endangered species and disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. Drawing from real-world field operations across Africa and beyond, Mike shares how highly trained K9 teams are deployed to detect ivory, rhino horn, illegal firearms, snares, and other wildlife-crime indicators in complex, high-risk environments.

Attendees will gain insight into:

• The selection, training, and deployment of conservation detection dogs

• How K9 units integrate into ranger and field operations

• The realities of working in remote, logistically challenging, and dangerous environments

• The importance of partnerships between handlers, local rangers, and community stakeholders

Beyond canine capability, this talk dives into the human side of K9 operations—how teams are trained, prepared, and supported to operate effectively under pressure. Mike discusses managing expectations versus real-world operational realities, ensuring handler and dog safety, and maintaining long-term effectiveness in the field.

The presentation also touches on tracking K9s, bite work, and their roles within broader security and conservation operations, highlighting how these specialized skills contribute to mission success against highly organized wildlife crime networks.

Through firsthand experience, operational insight, and compelling stories from the field, Mike provides an authentic look at what it truly takes to deploy and sustain working dogs on the frontlines of conservation.

Book your place now: https://www.sciscent.org/