Debate in parliament on animal experiences abroad
News
MPs speak up in favour of a ban on cruel animal tourist experiences abroad, a step forward for responsible tourism and animal welfare as a whole.
Henry Smith MP recently led a debate in the House of Commons on Animal Welfare in Overseas Tourism, and we were delighted to see many MPs attend and speak in favour of a ban on the domestic sale and advertisement of cruel animal experiences abroad. Activities such as swimming with dolphins and selfies with tigers do not take place in the UK, yet we allow companies such as TUI, Jet2holidays, GetYourGuide, AttractionTickets.com and Trip.com to advertise and sell tickets in the UK for British tourists to ‘experience’ such activities abroad. We must stop exporting animal cruelty abroad.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of wild animals are exploited for entertainment in the global tourism industry. A study commissioned by World Animal Protection estimates that up to 550,000 wild animals suffer for tourist entertainment in wildlife attractions worldwide. Activities that seem like harmless such as elephant rides, swimming with dolphins, and selfies with tiger cubs condemn animals to a life of cruelty and suffering.
Elephants
Thousands of captive Asian elephants suffer daily and are forced to perform unnatural acts, such as elephant rides or shows, for tourists at ‘entertainment venues’ abroad. It is estimated that there are over 2,700 captive elephants in Thailand alone. Most tourists are unaware of the appalling cruelty elephants are subjected to be trained, such as beatings and isolation. Behind every elephant ride is an abused elephant.
Dolphins
Dolphins are also cruelly exploited in the tourism industry. There are over 3,000 dolphins in captivity worldwide, subjected to adverse living conditions and forced to perform unnatural tricks in exchange for food. In the wild, dolphins can swim 100km a day, however the average tank size of the largest primary tank used at dolphin facilities is 200,000 times smaller than their natural home range. Tanks are often barren with little mental stimulation. Activities such as dolphin shows and swimming with dolphins may seem like harmless holiday fun, however behind every experience is appalling cruelty.
How it's going
It was great to see a show of support from MPs from all political parties attend the debate on animal experiences abroad.
We were delighted that at the debate Henry Smith MP spoke about World Animal Protection’s The Real Responsible Traveller Report which highlights which companies are still failing wildlife by selling exploitative experiences and attractions or by operating their business without concern for animal exploitation. If companies such as TUI, Jet2holidays, GetYourGuide, AttractionTickets.com, and Trip.com do not stop selling and advertising these ‘experiences’, the government must bring in legislation to stop them.
Behind every elephant ride is an abused elephant, and behind every swim-with-dolphins experience, there is appalling cruelty.
What next?
On the 3rd of February, the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill will have its second reading. If this Bill is successful, it will be illegal to sell and advertise activities abroad which involve low standards of welfare for animals.
We need your help. Please email your MP and ask them to attend this debate. Wild animals are not commodities to be exploited, nor are they ours to exploit. You can help wild animals live a life they deserve in the wild, where they belong.
Image credits: Hero image: Amy Jones | Body image: WSPA
Make a difference. Join our community.
We campaign to improve animals' lives in the UK and around the world. Why not join us today?
If companies such as TUI, Jet2holidays, GetYourGuide, AttractionTickets.com, and Trip.com do not stop selling and advertising these ‘experiences’, the government must bring in legislation to stop them.