Government delays action on promised ban of cruel wildlife tourism

The Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act was passed in 2023 with strong cross-party support. It was designed to stop UK-based travel companies profiting from activities that cause suffering to wild animals including elephant rides, tiger selfies, lion cub cuddles and dolphin shows.

But despite the Act receiving Royal Assent in 2023, no secondary legislation has been brought forward to list the activities that the legislation applies to, leaving travel companies free to carry on selling tickets to captive dolphin shows and other exploitative attractions with no consequences.

The government must follow through on its promises to put an end to the exploitation of wild animals for the entertainment of tourists.

Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection, UK Wildlife Manager, said:

Every year, thousands of wild animals suffer for tourist entertainment. The government must honour its commitment to implement the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act. This legislation promised to prevent UK tourist companies from selling tickets to cruel captive animal activities abroad.

We urge the government to prohibit captive dolphin shows. In their natural environment, dolphins swim 100 square kilometres of ocean freely. At tourist venues, they are held in tiny, barren tanks 200k times smaller than their natural space. Here, they can only swim a few metres at a time. Shockingly, captive dolphins are often drugged to cope with captivity. The anxiety and stress of their captivity can cause them to self-mutilate and become aggressive. They lead miserable lives all in the name of entertainment and profit.

The delay raises serious questions about whether the government is willing to act on animal welfare commitments, especially when UK tourists continue to book tickets through high-street travel brands. Without regulations in place, companies can continue to profit from animal suffering.

We’re calling on the government to stop dragging its feet and immediately bring forward the measures needed to enforce the Act. Until they do, animals will continue to suffer for holiday photos and tourist profits.