Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:52 am GMT
Prominent figures in the entertainment industry are calling on the UK government to take immediate action on a landmark animal cruelty law that was granted royal assent nearly a year ago but has yet to be enforced. This law, known as the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, aims to prevent British tourists from participating in overseas attractions that exploit animals, such as riding elephants or engaging in cruel animal encounters.
Stars Demand Action on Animal Welfare
Dame Joanna Lumley, Peter Egan, and Rula Lenska, among others, have publicly expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in implementing this critical legislation. The law received unanimous support in Parliament last September and was signed by King Charles within hours, marking a significant step towards enhancing animal welfare standards in the UK. Despite this swift legislative process, critics argue that the government has failed to enforce the new regulations, leaving vulnerable animals at continued risk.
Dame Joanna Lumley, renowned for her roles in classic television series such as *Absolutely Fabulous*, emphasized the urgency of this matter. “If people only knew what horrors Asian elephants and other vulnerable species are subjected to so that tourists can pose with them, I don’t believe that a single person would endorse such shocking cruelty,” she stated in an interview. Lumley called upon Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to act decisively to protect these animals and enforce the new law.
The Implications of the New Law
The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act specifically prohibits British travel companies from promoting venues known for animal exploitation. This includes notorious attractions like Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Thailand, where elephants have been subjected to brutal training practices to perform for tourists. The law was designed not only to protect animals but also to signal a shift in public sentiment regarding animal welfare in tourism.
Peter Egan, beloved for his roles in *Downton Abbey* and *Ever Decreasing Circles*, echoed Lumley’s concerns, stating that the exploitation of iconic species for profit has reached unacceptable levels. He urged the government to fulfill its constitutional obligations by implementing the Act without delay, highlighting the moral duty to protect the most vulnerable animals.
Broad Support for the Cause
The call for enforcement has garnered support from a diverse group of notable public figures, including explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, rock star Rick Wakeman, and former Cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe. Their united front aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect endangered species from cruel tourism practices.
Rula Lenska, a fixture on British television, shared her perspective on the exploitation of elephants. “As the most intelligent of all land mammals, the magnificent elephant shares many of our human emotions and must not be exploited for our amusement any longer,” she asserted. Lenska’s statement underscores the belief that society has a responsibility to treat all species with respect.
Charity Advocates for Implementation
The charity Save The Asian Elephants is at the forefront of the campaign to ensure the Act is enforced. Duncan McNair, the organization’s founder, highlighted the significant public support for the legislation. “This landmark legislation holds out real hope for all the world’s most endangered creatures,” he stated. McNair called upon the Labour government to honor its previous commitments made while in opposition.
He stressed the importance of timely action, asserting that inaction could lead to dire consequences for animals whose lives depend on tourism regulations being upheld. More than 100 travel companies are reportedly still offering trips to venues that fall under the purview of the new law, indicating a pressing need for governmental enforcement.
Government’s Commitment to Animal Welfare
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated, “This government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation. That is exactly what we will do.” However, with calls for swift action from passionate advocates, many remain skeptical of the government’s future actions regarding the enforcement of the law.
The increasing attention surrounding the plight of animals exploited in tourism continues to build momentum. Advocacy groups argue that the successful implementation of the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act will be a litmus test for the government’s commitment to animal welfare and its integrity in responding to public concerns.
Outlook and Next Steps
As pressure mounts on the UK government to enforce the new law, the focus remains on the welfare of animals being subjected to cruel practices abroad. Public sentiment is firmly aligned with the notion that tourism should not come at the expense of animal suffering. The overwhelming backing for the new legislation reflects a growing awareness of ethical tourism practices, suggesting that the public is increasingly intolerant of animal exploitation.
Thanks to help from important leaders and advocacy groups, many hope the government will quickly put the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act into action. The next few months will be very important to see if the current leaders keep their promises. This law could be a key way to protect the world’s most at-risk animals from being mistreated in tourism activities.
