Middle aged man stands in a wood wearing a black t-shirt that says Animals Asia

February 5, 2025 • Captive animal welfare | Supporters & volunteers

Chris Packham calls for end to animals used in entertainment

Animals Asia has compiled a report that shows animals will continue to suffer and Brits will continue to unwittingly witness distressing cruelty on their holidays until UK law is strengthened.

The dossier of evidence that we compiled 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.

Chris says: ‘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.’

Two scared looking bear cubs sit in a dark, barren cage and look nervously at the camera
When not being used for selfies, props or to perform, many wild animals live in squalid conditions

Chris continued, ‘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.’

Find out more

How animals are used and abused in the name of entertainment, and what to look out for when travelling abroad.