Animals suffering overseas need your help
Please write to your MP urging them to attend an event in Parliament concerning animal abuse overseas.
In September 2023, Born Free welcomed the passing into law of the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act. The Act paves the way for Ministers to prohibit the sale and advertising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland of cruel and abusive activities overseas involving animals, such as elephant riding and dolphin shows, that would be illegal in the UK.
However, as of February 2026, the Act has not yet been enforced – more than two years since the Act came into being, and despite the efforts of Born Free and our many like-minded partners, no further progress has been made.
As a result, travel companies continue to profit by advertising and selling cruel animal activities to UK tourists, animals continue to suffer in the name of ‘entertainment’, and people who engage in these activities continue to put themselves at risk.
Born Free’s Head of Policy Dr Mark Jones said: “The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act carries overwhelming public and cross-party support. Its effective implementation would help to cement the standing of the UK as a leading voice for animal protection on the international stage and provide an example for other nations to follow. It is vital that this opportunity to protect vulnerable animals, and prevent injuries and deaths among both animals and people resulting from unscrupulous tourism attractions, is not missed. Together, we can get the long-overdue action over the line.”
You can help
On 4th March 2026, Born Free is joining with other animal protection organisations to hold a drop-in event for MPs to learn more about the issue.
To give effect to the Act, the Secretary of State for Environment must develop so-called ‘activity regulations’ specifying which activities the advertising and sale of which will be banned.
Securing the support of MPs is vital if we are to convince the Secretary of State to act. Please use the link below to send a letter to your MP, urging them to attend the event and pledge their support for government action.