Animal Welfare and the Tourist Industry

As the world becomes smaller and smaller and a greater number of people have the ability to globe-trot, it is only natural that we would carry our concerns and priorities with us. Many people today are concerned about animal welfare, and the tourist industry is no different from any other industry that caters to people. There are many instances of animal abuse in the tourist industry.

Of course, as you trot around the globe, it may seem to be a simple matter for you to look at attractions individually and choose whether or not you wish to partake based on evidence of animal cruelty that may or may not be present. However, there is more to it than that. It is also important that you check with your travel agency or your tour company to be sure that they do not support any type of tour or travel that contributes to animal abuse. Before you book your trip, make it clear that you only want to do business with companies that operate under a policy guaranteeing animal welfare.

Once you are on your trip, you will want to be diligent about the activities you participate in. Be sure that you are not inadvertently supporting cruelty to animals. Here are a few tips to help you be discerning:

When you are planning to travel with a group, be sure to review the schedule in advance. Put a big X through any activities that may involve animal cruelty. Be sure to let your travel agent and tour company know that you will not be participating, and tell them why. They may also be inadvertently supporting this activity.

People may try to convince you that you must accept cruel practices as a part of the culture you are visiting. This is simply not the case. The times are changing, and the world is shrinking. This is one area in which a uniform step into the 21st century is completely desirable. Bullfighting, cock fighting, dog fighting, running of the bulls, animal sacrifice and so on, have no place in today's world.

People will also try to tell you that you must sample all of the traditional foods of an area in order to have an authentic experience. Again, this is simply not true. You should not do anything that violates your own sense of right and wrong. It is wrong to eat chimpanzees, horses, donkeys, dogs and cats (to name a few).

Remember to practice ethical treatment of animals abroad, just as at home. Include farm animals in your attention to cruelty free practices. It is also wrong to eat animals that have been tortured or products attained from them. For this reason, avoid foie gras, eggs from factory farmed chickens, pork from factory farmed pigs, and products from factory farmed animals in general. While it may be hard to find organic food abroad, it is a good idea to ask. When restaurants have a demand for something, they usually try to provide it.

Many animal lovers have enjoyed circuses and zoos in the past without realizing that these ventures are often quite cruel to animals. Today we know better and many animal attractions are free of cruelty. However, when you travel abroad, this may not be the case. Be sure to double-check the credentials of places you plan to visit to be sure they are cruelty free.

Obviously, you should never buy a souvenir that is made from some creature. Check to see what items are made of, and don't support the use of turtle shell, fur, skin, animal teeth, ivory, seahorses, starfish, shells, etc. Remember that an animal died to make that comb, fur wrap, necklace, or knick-knack.

Less obviously, never participate in animal rides. The animals used for these activities are often badly cared for and subjected to the use of ill-fitted and/or incorrect equipment. The elephants, donkeys, camels, horses and so forth used for these kinds of activities are often subject to injury and always subject to stress.

Stress is also a problem for animals like dolphins in attractions in which they must perform unnaturally. Even though swimming with a dolphin may seem like harmless fun, it is actually quite stressful for the dolphin when conducted as a tourist attraction. When used as a therapeutic activity in a natural setting, it is far more acceptable.

It is also wise to avoid supporting businesses that require you to pay to have your picture taken with an animal. These businesses often use animals that have been wild-caught. Many times they have been taken from mothers that have been killed. Mature animals may have been trained punitively, drugged, or had their teeth pulled so that they will not be a threat to tourists. However, this may not always be a deterrent, so your own safety is sometimes an issue in these situations.

Of course, if you see an animal being abused or suffering poor conditions, you will want to do something about it. While you may be powerless to do anything on the spot due to lax local regulations, there are some steps you can take.

First, document the incident or situation. Take pictures or make a video (but do not pay to do so). Make note of the exact location, date and time. Be sure to document the number of animals and the type(s) involved.

Second, inform the local authorities. Tell the police, any animal welfare agency that may be in existence in the area, the operator of your tour, and the local tourist offices. Even though, local officials may attempt to laugh it off or explain it away as a cultural difference, it is important that you go on record as having complained. Make note of the names of the people with whom you have spoken and the responses you receive. Keep a record of their contact information.

Upon your return home, be sure to follow through by reporting the incident to the embassy of the country you were visiting and to your representative in Congress.