Usually when animals are mistreated it's because their owners don't know any better. But there is another kind of cruelty to animals, one that brings delight and satisfaction to its depraved enthusiasts. The animals are used and abused in order to line the owner's pocket, or even worse, just for kicks. This book shows how Tony Saunders posed as a dodgy dealer in rare animals, or spent nights covered in mud and debris observing illegal badger digs. He has trained with, among others, the SAS and has seen the nastiest side of human nature. In this non-fiction thriller Tony creates his own role within the RSPCSA to become embroiled in the criminal underworld that preys on animals, both in the UK and abroad.
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Amazon Review
In Baiting the Trap, Tony Saunders shows how he has made his childhood passion for wildlife into an enviably boys-own career saving animals and birds in undercover operations even an SAS serviceman could be proud of. As Chief Inspector of the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit, Saunders not only investigates crimes against animals--from badger baiting to ivory smuggling--he infiltrates the horrific underworld of people who make their living from animal cruelty, passing as one of them. From the very first time he goes undercover, posing as a buyer for a badger-baiting terrier, it is clear that his job will present heart-stopping moments. So proud is the vendor of his beast's killing prowess that he refuses to let Saunders take the dog without first seeing it in action on a small kitten--mercifully saved when he realises the kids will be upset if their new pet goes missing. From such beginnings Saunders progresses to more ambitious operations, finding his nemesis in a man named Verrill, a gamekeeper who arranges badger kills for sport. Though at times, confronted with so much cruelty, Saunders wonders if his efforts are mere "scratching the surface of the surface, but the only other option is to turn your back and pretend it doesn't happen". And even if it is only a fraction of the many, many animals at risk which are saved, "it makes all the difference in the world to them".- -Rebecca Johnson
Review
An extraordinary tale of one man's courageous fight against a dangerous criminal underworld that threatens our wildlife -- Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Gripping and authentic. If the Special Operations Unit is the RSPCA's SAS, Tony Saunders is its Andy McNab -- Ken Connor, author of Ghost Force: The Secret History of the SAS
Tony Saunders tells it how it is, with no punches pulled. He is one of the heroes of the RSPCA -- David Grant, RSPCA vet and author
Gripping and authentic. If the Special Operations Unit is the RSPCA's SAS, Tony Saunders is its Andy McNab -- Ken Connor, author of Ghost Force: The Secret History of the SAS
Tony Saunders tells it how it is, with no punches pulled. He is one of the heroes of the RSPCA -- David Grant, RSPCA vet and author
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. G. Battle
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Now here is a book aimed at anyone with in interest in wildlife and how cruel mankind can be to them. The book is a documentary, but written in standard literary first person style, providing the reader with an insight in to Tony Saunders' work - a unique man in the RSCPA. The "adventures" span Great Britain and Africa and take us beyond the domestic cruelty you would expect the RSCPA to deal with. This large scale operation keeps you following, yet I was not entirely gripped. Whether it was the repetition within the writing, or just the style of narrative I can't quite put my finger on. It's a great insight in to the underground activity of criminals, and it will make you feel sad and disappointed at times, but it's not written well enough to bring out strong emotions. Recommended, but not as good as it could have been.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I must declare an interest - I work for the RSPCA - but this is a totally personal viewpoint... I am an avid reader and read for a degree in English Literature at Oxford. I give this book my highest recommendation.
Tony Saunder's book is a fascinating insight into the commitment and bravery of the few who are willing to tackle wildlife crime head-on.
...The reader really gets an insight into this likeable man's life and character, as well as being treated by him to a fascinating wealth of information about animal welfare and the wildlife of the UK. Nobody knows their stuff better than the author but he puts the information across in a very readable format. His views are compelling and his personal sense of conviction shines through. The book is a thoroughly enjoyable read - in parts as exciting as any Dick Francis thriller, whilst also having moments of poignancy that bring to mind great popular biographies such as 'Angela's Ashes'.
This is a very fine book and I wish it every success. It leaves the reader feeling repelled at the fact that there are people out there willing to mete out such cruelty to animals, yet proud that there are individuals like Tony Saunders and his colleagues in the RSPCA Inspectorate who are willing to take positive action to search these people out and ensure that they are brough to justice.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I must say that it has been a long, long time since i read a book that gave me such a refreshing change of scenery.
A true indepth look at the terrible world of animal cruelty. Before i read this book, my idea of animal cruelty was about picking up my cat by his skin on his neck....
Tony will bring to life a side of human nature that will shock you and discust you! He will take you along on a journey of the RSPCA's Special Ops Unit, conceived by himself to take wildlife protection one step further!
If you are expecting James Herriot... forget it!!
He really is the 'Andy McNabb' of the RSPCA. Enough to keep McNabb readers on the tip of their toes, and Tom Clancy readers acheing for more.
This book will have your eyes wide open, heart beating, and at some stages almost sweating with anxeiety as you comprehend the shere magnitude of the danger that he gets himself in to, with organised criminal gangs, international 'illegal' animal traders, far away destinations, and cases of terrible discusting acts of cruelty against such innocent creatures.
This book is enough to make any reader become a wildlife lover, so read it, it will give you enough entertainment to keep any reader intrigued, and it will not sit on the bookshelf gathering dust also... you will pick it up again at some point and read it from cover to cover, i could not put it down!
The most worrying thing about this book is that it is not a work of fiction....
Tony.. you are a hero! The world would be a much better place with more people like you in it!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A man who cares deeply for animals
An engrossing account of a life devoted to fighting an international trade in capturing and exporting rare and often beautiful animals by ruthless cruel men interested only in... Read more
Published 18 months ago by J. B. Swingler
5.0 out of 5 stars
The story of an unsung wildlife hero .
The extraordinary story of the RSPCA,s Special Operations Unit and its best under cover Inspector. Couragous,dedicated,single minded, heroic just a few words to decscribe the work... Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2001
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