Wildlife Tourism and Animal Welfare

I do not want to see the abuse of animals in any circumstances. I know that every year hundreds of thousands of animals are exploited for entertainment in the global tourism industry.

I do not believe reputable tour operators should offer activities that support poor animal welfare. The Association of British Travel Agents, an organisation approved by the Government, has published guidelines and a list of animal welfare activities classified as unacceptable.

I strongly supported the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 on its journey through Parliament. However, I understand Ministers currently face certain challenges to ensure that this legislation is effective when it is implemented.

For example, it must be clear for advertisers and enforcement bodies which activities are in scope, and high-welfare activities must not be inadvertently impacted. We also need to ensure that those placing the adverts can be identified. The law is about banning advertising only in this country, but many advertised holidays and activities are not from organisations based in the UK. There is also a need for education so people understand the animal welfare impacts of their activities abroad.

This is a complex subject that the Government wants to get right. I am reassured that Ministers and officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are engaging with stakeholders including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare activities abroad.

I look forward to the Government’s animal welfare strategy which is due to be published before the end of the year. I understand it will contain further information on advertising of low-welfare activities abroad. I will follow developments on this matter.