Holiday Britons “can help stop animal cruelty”

British tourists are being urged to help stamp out cruelty to animals by boycotting events that profit from creature suffering. The call has come from the RSPCA which particularly singles out the “shocking conditions” of zoos in Europe and the Far East. The society lists dancing bears, animals left to roam the streets and sedated animals available for photo opportunities among complaints received recently. “Holidaymakers have more influence in these matters than any other group or body,” said David Bowles, head of the RSPCA's international department. The society's leaflet, Fun in the Sun - or is it? urges tourists to avoid bullfights, zoos, aquaria, circuses and other venues featuring performing animals. It also calls on tourists to avoid donkey, camel or horse and carriage rides, particularly in hot countries where animals are forced to work in sweltering temperatures. People are also urged not to buy souvenirs that have been produced at the animal's expense such as ivory and tortoiseshell, and to avoid feeding stray animals - and instead donate tinned food or money to local animal welfare organisations. Mr Bowles added: “Many tourists believe they are powerless to change attitudes to animals abroad.