Public Servant Lifestyle

British tourists may unwittingly encourage cruelty overseas by choosing destinations that profit from animal suffering.

Take the advice of the RSPCA to avoid accidentally promoting animal cruelty abroad. Thousands of tourists are unwittingly encouraging cruelty overseas by choosing holiday attractions and souvenirs that profit from animal suffering, warns the leading animal cruelty watchdog.

Already this summer, the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has helped Spanish authorities prosecute the organisers of a fiesta that allowed children to goad a young bull.

Bullfights and fiestas are legal in Spain as long as they adhere strictly to traditions and customs, including a ban on any children taking part. New undercover footage, filmed by the RSPCA, at another fiesta, showed spectators kicking and throwing firecrackers.

Worst Cases

As our summer holidays get into full swing, the RSPCA is urging tourists to boycott any event that profits from suffering. Some of the worst cases brought to the Society's attention are the conditions for animals - particularly camels and horses - used in rides, and the monkeys, bears, lion cubs and tigers that pose for photographs with tourists.

David Bowles, head of the RSPCA's international department, said: "It can be very tempting to have a photograph taken with an exotic wild animal or have a ride on a camel, donkey or horse. But all too often behind the scenes those animals endure horrendous living conditions and suffer daily cruelty. Many of these businesses rely on demand from the tourist trade."

The RSPCA is currently working with other animal welfare organisations all over the world, providing direct financial aid, training courses and education materials. The Society's work is centred around southern and central-eastern Europe and parts of East Asia.

RSPCA Holiday Tips

1. Avoid bullfights, zoos, aquaria, circuses and other venues featuring performing animals.

2. Don't have your picture taken with wild animals such as chimps, lion cubs or snakes. Many are drugged to make them tame and often have their teeth and claws removed.

3. Don't buy souvenirs that have been produced at an animal's expense, such as ivory, tortoiseshell or coral.

4. Avoid feeding stray animals. If you want to help, donate tinned food or money to a local animal welfare organisation.

For more information on the activities of the RSPCA, visit the organisation's website at: www.rspca.org.uk

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