Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Animal welfare: action and understanding

The European Commission, the civil servants in Brussels, has recently launched a new initiative to bring a greater understanding about animal welfare to the European Citizen. From the national curriculum to the pet owner, to broad-scale industry, the aim is to ensure animals are treated with respect in today’s society.

The Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force last December, has created an explicit duty regarding animal welfare under EU law. Article 13 of the Treaty speaks of animals as “sentient beings” that must be respected in the EU-decision-making process. This means that the EU has to take animal welfare fully into account. The overall aims are to stop animals enduring avoidable pain or suffering and to oblige their owners and keepers to respect welfare requirements.

Millions of animals feature in holiday excursions and resorts world-wide. Whether viewing wildlife in the wild, visiting a zoo, swimming with dolphins, or posing for a souvenir photograph with a snake, monkey or lion, tourism can negatively impact animal welfare and survival.

Being aware and taking active measures to improve customer experience and maintain sustainability, bring real benefits to animals and phases-out bad practice.  Using ‘best practice’ guidelines such as the Travelife Animal Attraction Handbook, the tour operator and supplier will be able to ensure their excursions and activities maintain only high standards of animal protection and welfare.

By doing your bit, as part of the EU-wide animal welfare strategy, you will ensure greater sustainability, responsibly, and ensure your customers have an enjoyable, animal-impact-free holiday.

For more information on how you can ensure your excursions and activities uphold high standards in animal welfare and protection, or to develop you own animal welfare policy, contact Daniel Turner at the Born Free Foundation – daniel@bornfree.org.uk 

With six years of experience working with the travel industry, there is no one better to help you.