Travel // Vacation's Over—Time to Get Busy

Vacation's Over—Time to Get Busy

No one wants to come home from a vacation with memories tainted by having witnessed cruelty to animals or animal abuse. Still, if this has happened to you, there are several important things that you can do to make a difference. Even though you’ve left the location, the animals there still need your help.

Speak Out!

Every region in the world has a tourist board that works to attract visitors. The board’s recommendations are often very influential. When you get home, write to the tourist board to voice your objections to what you saw. Explain what happened and the response—or lack thereof—of local authorities. If what you witnessed involved a commercial operation (such as a zoo, horse-drawn carriage business, or similar for-profit venture), ask that it not be recommended to travelers. Let them know that your memories of the area are spoiled by having seen animals in distress.

Another important way to help is to write a letter to the country’s embassy. Ask for its intervention, particularly if local law enforcement was unresponsive to the situation. Urge the ambassador to initiate the steps necessary to implement animal protection regulations and set up humane shelters if they don’t exist.

Public pressure can make a difference. When news station CNN ran a piece about atrocities occurring in Chinese zoos and theme parks, the ambassador received thousands of letters, prompting authorities to address an issue that they had ignored for years.

If you visited a facility that exploited or abused animals and had been recommended to you by a travel agent, it is imperative that you complain. Some “eco-excursion” destinations are actually squalid roadside zoos or seedy menageries. Unless agents hear from unhappy travelers, they will continue to recommend such exhibits. Let them know if the operation’s description is misleading or outright fraudulent. Check the materials you were given by your agent; often, postage-free comment cards are included. Use them to express your objections to animal displays that are abusive. The travel industry is extremely competitive, and travel agents are under great pressure to keep customers satisfied.

Caribbean Cruelty

If you traveled throughout the Caribbean, you may have come across one of the many “swim-with-dolphins” programs. These profit-driven ventures are strongly promoted by tour operators. Countless studies conducted by biologists and naturalists make it clear that it is impossible to meet dolphins’ unique psychological and physiological needs in captivity. Cruise lines, in particular, provide a huge source of customers for these cruel operations. By writing letters to your cruise liner and magazines focusing on Caribbean travel, you can make it clear that many tourists do not support these cruel programs. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises recently removed “swim-with-dolphins” programs from its offered onshore excursions. Ask your cruise liner to do the same. Every cruise provides travelers with comment cards upon disembarkment. Letters to the editor of major magazines can be e-mailed to:

Caribbean Traveler: editor@caribbeantravelmag.com
Cruise America: cruise-editor@centurysports.net
National Geographic Traveler: traveler@nationalgeographic.com

Spoil Your Companions

Remember, if you left your animal companions at home, their routine has been disrupted too! Take some time to give your best friends some extra TLC and attention. They need to be reassured and comforted after your absence.

Some animals don’t handle separation well and may exhibit some atypical behaviors. “Accidents,” lack of appetite, shyness, or aggression are ways that some animals express stress. Be patient. Once they realize you’re home “for good,” they’ll settle back down into their regular routine. If your animal companion continues to appear ill or is in physical discomfort, you should seek veterinary attention.

Spread the Word

Just as you’d want friends and family to share good or bad travel experiences, it’s important to spread the word about animal-friendly (or -unfriendly) destinations. If you’ve come across tours or excursions that are animal-friendly, let others know. Encourage them to patronize these trips. Likewise, if your trip experience was marred by witnessing cruelty to animals, urge people not to book the same tour. The travel industry is all about profit, and if tour companies, resorts, and excursions lose customers because of distress over animal abuse, changes will be forthcoming.

Let Us Know

We want to hear from you! Letting us know the good, the bad, and the ugly side of your experience helps us share information with others. Although we can’t resolve every situation, we may be able to use the information that you provide. Please use our feedback form to tell us about abusive displays that you may have seen or visited, vegetarian-friendly restaurants, pro- or anti-animal promotions, etc.

Visit here for more information about what to do before, during, and after your trip.

PETA provides travelers with easy opportunities to get active for animals while out and about. Just check out the Travel Advisories to find simple ways that you can be a voice for animals anywhere in the world.

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