Cumbria Police Officer Recognized for Outstanding Work in Tackling Wildlife Crime
On Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, Sam O’Key, a dedicated police officer from Cumbria, was surprised with a special award for her exceptional work in tackling wildlife crime. O’Key, who serves as the Wildlife Coordinator for Cumbria Police, was presented with a Challenge Coin from animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation. The award was given in recognition of her outstanding role in investigating and disrupting criminal operations targeting animal welfare.
The surprise event was attended by Naturewatch Foundation CEO Sarah Carr and Amanda Mckirdy, Rural Crime Team Supervisor. O’Key was cited by Jim Clark, who leads the charity’s wildlife crime work, for her dedication and commitment to protecting persecuted wildlife. Her meticulous investigative work has played a crucial role in exposing criminal networks, setting a high standard for her peers across the country. O’Key also sits on the national Badger Persecution Priority Delivery Group, which focuses on protecting this vulnerable species in England and Wales.
Upon receiving the award, O’Key shared her gratitude, saying, “Receiving this challenge coin as recognition of the work I have been doing was not only unexpected but quite overwhelming. Thank you to the Naturewatch Foundation team for your support and this recognition.”
Naturewatch Foundation CEO Sarah Carr expressed her appreciation for O’Key’s work, saying, “Naturewatch Foundation launched the Challenge Coin to celebrate the remarkable work of individuals who are determined to improve animal welfare and tackle cruelty. A Challenge Coin is a treasured, sought-after award. My heartfelt thanks to Sam for her amazing work tackling rural and wildlife crime and my congratulations for being the first recipient of one of our Challenge Coins!”
Chief Constable Darren Martland of Cumbria Constabulary also praised O’Key, saying, “Congratulations to our dedicated Wildlife Crime Officer PC Sam O’Key on receiving the award. This award is a testament to her hard work and determination to tackle wildlife crime, bringing offenders to justice and supporting our partner agencies to protect our wildlife.”
Jim Clark, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, added, “Sam is genuinely a great police officer, and a classic example of a wildlife police officer who cares. When our charity created the Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin and it was decided who, and why an individual deserves this recognition, our team quickly came to the same conclusion, that without doubt Sam deserves the first one. Sam is a model of a great wildlife officer and a true advocate for the protection of our wildlife.”
The Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coins are presented to individuals whose work goes above and beyond to support and promote the charity’s mission and values. A maximum of four awards are given each year, and O’Key is the first recipient of the Challenge Coin.
Despite laws in place to protect wild animals, wildlife crime continues to be a prevalent issue in the UK. From barbaric activities like badger baiting and hare coursing to the illegal wildlife trade and cruelty towards animals, the impact of these crimes extends beyond just the animals. Naturewatch Foundation is currently campaigning for the UK Home Office to make wildlife crime a ‘notifiable’ offence, highlighting its connection to broader issues such as organized crime and damage to rural communities and habitats.
Distributed by Pressat on behalf of Naturewatch Foundation.
