Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Impact for Tracks Investigations
As we step into 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been another productive and impactful year for Tracks Investigations.
Our mission remains steadfast: to shine a light on the hidden lives of animals exploited for food, fashion, companionship, research, and entertainment. Many of our projects are long-term and yet to be released—I’d love to share the details, but you’ll have to wait a little longer to see the fruits of our work.
In 2024, we conducted eight in-depth investigations for seven animal protection organizations across seven countries, spanning the globe. Each project represents countless hours of dedication and perseverance, often in challenging conditions.
While I can’t share all the details yet, I can give you a glimpse into some of the projects:
The four-month investigation into factory farming in the Global South – shining a light on brutal practices often hidden from public view.
The groundbreaking investigation into an industry that intersects Big Ag and Pharma – set to be released this year, this exposé has the potential to dismantle practices we’ve been documenting for over five years.
An investigation poised to ruffle feathers in the fashion industry – calling attention to exploitative practices that fuel fast fashion.
While these stories remain under wraps for now, I can share some of the tangible wins we’ve achieved, built on the foundation of past investigations:
Banning live animal exports from the UK – after more than 25 years of investigating live animal exports, this inhumane trade has finally come to an end.
Contributing to the ban on live sheep exports from Australia – after 18 years of investigative work, a decision has been made that will spare millions of animals from suffering.
Progressing legislation to combat illegal puppy smuggling – a parliamentary bill addressing this cruel trade is moving forward, thanks to over 10 years of investigative effort.
These are just a few examples of the impact of Tracks’ investigations, proving that even a micro-organization can drive monumental change.
Tracks remains small but mighty—I’m still the only full-time employee—but I’m proud to have been joined this year by 15 incredible freelance investigators from around the world. I’m particularly proud that over 60% of our team is female, and 40% hail from the Global South, reflecting our commitment to diversity and cultural sensitivity.
On a personal level, I stepped out of the shadows a bit in 2024 and attended three fantastic animal rights conferences: the Vegan and Animal Rights Conference in Manchester, the AVA Summit in Washington, D.C., and the International Animal Rights Conference in Luxembourg, where I gave my first-ever presentation on investigations. The conferences were inspiring and rewarding, and I’ve already embarked on a couple of collaborations as a result—one of which is a creative investigative project that I am incredibly excited about.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past year. Your belief in our work keeps us going, and I’m excited for what lies ahead in 2025. Together, we are making a difference.
Thank you for standing with us and the animals we fight for.