Torbay MP urges action on overseas animal cruelty ban

Steve Darling MP for Torbay has joined leading animal welfare organisations in calling on the Government to stop delaying the implementation of legislation banning the promotion and sale of exploitative animal experiences overseas.

The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act became law in 2023 with overwhelming cross-party support. However, the law remains unimplemented, as the Government has yet to introduce the activity regulations needed to define which low-welfare practices are covered.

Travel companies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can still sell tickets to elephant rides, captive whale and dolphin shows, and big cat cub petting experiences overseas — practices linked to serious cruelty.

A spokesperson for the Low Welfare Act Coalition said: “The tourism industry responds to demand. The longer travel companies are allowed to promote these cruel experiences through misleading, glossy advertising, the more animals will be captured or bred to suffer for profit and entertainment.

"More than two years after this legislation was passed, its continued lack of enforcement represents a clear failure to protect animal welfare and to honour commitments made to the public.”

The coalition comprises organisations including Born Free, the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, Marine Connection, PETA, Save the Asian Elephant (STAE), Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), and World Animal Protection, alongside over 100 global partners dedicated to ending wildlife exploitation.

Steve Darling MP added: “I fully support the Low Welfare Act coalition’s urgent call for this important and overdue legislation to be fully implemented.

"Like many of my constituents, I care deeply about animal welfare and want to see animals treated with dignity and respect. That is not what is happening in many of the venues being promoted by trusted travel companies.

"If these activities are considered too cruel to take place here, they should not be sold here either.”

The MP highlighted the UK’s global reputation on animal welfare, “The UK has long been a global leader on animal welfare, and it must now honour that reputation by enforcing this Act without further delay.”

The coalition and Mr Darling are urging the Government to act promptly to prevent further suffering and to ensure that animals exploited for tourist entertainment are protected.