Dear Secretary of State
The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act became law nearly three years ago in September 2023, with enormous public backing. Rigorously implemented, the intended domestic ban on advertising of cruel overseas animal practices will protect numerous iconic endangered species from extinction, all harmed and killed for tourism fun.
Asian elephants are wondrous “megagardeners of the forests” who nourish and sustain their habitats which are the lungs of the Earth that combat climate change. But elephants, big cats, gorillas, bears, dolphins and many other species nearing extinction are routinely brutalised and tortured for easy use in tourism.
Much of the abuse is driven by the UK market. Over 1,200 UK companies advertise 300 venues where baby elephants are violently captured, starved, beaten and stabbed with hooks and “broken” for riding, selfies, tricks. Tortured captive animals regularly attack and kill humans.
Travel industry promises of change have proved empty over decades. The Act will help steer the market from ruthless to ethical practices. It is a world first for Britain and for others to follow.
Save The Asian Elephants (STAE) has sent you comprehensive evidence of the horrors and dangers and a detailed list of proposed prohibited activities.
You must now enact these measures. Please do not let the ongoing lobbying by those profiteering from the abuse subvert the will of Parliament and of the people.
Yours sincerely
[YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS]
Send letter to:
Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP
Secretary of State, DEFRA
Seacole Building
2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
Send email via the form at this url: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-defra#contact-form
