In their battle against neglect and cruelty to animals, the RSPCA's plain clothes investigation squad is in the front line. The task of the Special Investigations and Operations Department (SIOD) is to gather intelligence, operate undercover and eventually, it is hoped, prosecute those who mistreat animals, domestic, farm and wild. They cover the whole of the UK - and often Europe as well. This book follows the undercover squad on specific investigations and is designed to accompany the Channel 4 TV series Animal Squad. The greatest part of the SIOD's time and manpower is taken up with infiltrating dog fighting circles, where they might need to stake out their target for weeks. When an illegal fight is busted it may take up to 100 armed police, bulldozers and battering rams to break down doors or walls. Another vital part of the work of the SIOD is trailing shipments of live food animals for export and the investiagtion of the import and export of endangered species, illegal blood-sports and the trafficing of animals for experimentation. It also assists rescue teams all over the world in the event of natural disasters.