United Kingdom
Zoos
Tourism is a very important sector in the United Kingdom, and many visitors come here every year to discover the history and culture of the country. Domestic tourism is also an important source of income for the industry and many attractions have been built to serve this market. Although the United Kingdom is known for being a country of animal lovers, it has a long history of displaying wild animals to the public. Here too, the quality of the zoos varies and there are reports showing that several local zoos violate the country's legislations.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s29
Badger culling
A "pilot" culling of badgers was carried out in 2013 in some specific areas of England. This slaughter is part of a government strategy aimed at reducing the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Many animal protection organizations opposed this plan and the scientists who carried out a previous cull claim that this is not an effective method to deal with tuberculosis. However, the culling was repeated in 2014 and 2015, and expanded to a larger area in 2016 and 2017. In these days there is no UK-wide policy of badger culling.
Bearskins
The changing of the guard is undoubtedly one of the most important tourist attractions in the English capital, but what tourists sometimes do not know, is that the protagonists of the ceremony, the Queen's guards, wear bearskin caps. What a pity that in a country where animal welfare is so important it has not yet been wanted to find an alternative to this archaic tradition.
For more information: http://turismo-responsable.com/blog/londres-un-destino-casi-perfecto
Horse carriage rides
Romantic and nostalgic horse carriage rides are not so enjoyable for the animals, which are forced to work long hours, dragging heavy loads and often enduring extreme weather conditions. Numerous animals spend all day exploited beyond their limits, while taking tourists through complicated terrain at bargain prices, often in the sun, with little shade, water and rest. These animals suffer from sunstrokes, wounds, beatings and injuries as a result of these "tourist experiences" and the economic benefit that their owners can gain from these activities is always above their animals´ welfare.
Horse carriages can have accidents with other vehicles, especially in cities with heavy traffic. The animals are usually trotting, which is too high a speed, as if it stops suddenly the carriage could crash into the animal. Moreover, the little rest that the animals get is usually in blocks located in the center of the city and, often, in inappropriate conditions.
More information: http://turismo-responsable.com/en-s24
Recommended projects and rescue centers:
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society
Animal protection entities in the United Kingdom
