Holidays being ruined by attractions where animals are abused, warns new report
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Brits have witnessed shocking incidents of animal cruelty on holidays abroad, a new report reveals. One in three (33%) say they have been to a tourist attraction where animals have been mistreated while nearly 10 say it ruined their trip. Spain topped the list of cruelty with the most respondents, followed by Thailand and India. Elephants were the species most witnessed being treated cruelly, closely followed by monkeys and birds. Incidents include painful sores from abuse on elephants used for rides, monkeys kept on chains for photo opportunities, while otters and meerkats were kept in cafes for selfies. The dossier of evidence compiled by charity Animal Asia has been delivered to the government calling for it to fully implement the new Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act)with a list of banned activities.
It argues until this list is agreed the Act cannot be enforced, animals will continue to suffer and Brits will continue to unwittingly witness distressing cruelty on their holidays. TV presenter Chris Packham said: “Every year the animal-loving British public is witnessing shocking animal cruelty on holiday, leaving people with profound feelings of sadness, anger and helplessness. Holidays are ruined by the sight of dolphins baking on hot concrete for photos, animals forced to perform in humiliating shows, or chained elephants swaying in distress. These barbaric practices leave scars that last a lifetime for the abused animals, and haunting memories for the people exposed to them. “It is clear from these reports that people want to put an immediate stop to animals being exploited for entertainment. It’s a huge step forward for this legislation to have been passed but as long as there is no list of activities banned under it, unwitting tourists will keep buying tickets which fund animal suffering at attractions. The previous government failed to make this law fit for purpose - it's time for this one to act.”.
