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Global charity exposes tiger 'selfie' suffering
tiger
The report cites early mother and cub separation, repeated stressful mishandling of cubs, restrictive and inappropriate enclosures and limited water.

True scale of worrying tiger tourism trend documented

World Animal Protection has released a report detailing the abuse of captive tigers in Thailand.

Tiger selfies exposed: a portrait of Thailand’s tiger entertainment industry has been published ahead of International Tiger Day on Friday 29 July, and follows the recent closure of Thailand’s Tiger Temple.

As part of a wider 'Wildlife - Not Entertainers' campaign, the report not only evidences a 33 per cent increase in numbers of captive tigers in five years, but also outlines several welfare concerns related to the increasingly popular tiger entertainment industry.

The report cites early mother and cub separation, repeated stressful mishandling of cubs, restrictive and inappropriate enclosures and limited water access as significant welfare issues. Investigations uncovered a concerning number of animals demonstrating behavioural stress indicators including pacing and tail biting.  

The report also details an increase in cruel techniques to make the animals submissive enough to tolerate close encounters with humans. Visiting 17 popular tiger entertainment venues, Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Pattaya held the most tigers and the poorest conditions.

Julie Middelkoop, head of the campaign, said: "We’re asking tourists to think about the welfare of the tigers, and we’re calling on the travel industry to stop promoting and profiting from tiger cruelty. If you can get up close, hug or have a selfie with a tiger it's cruel and don't go."

World Animal Protection is urging travellers to avoid wildlife tourist entertainment venues that promote direct human-animal interaction. It is also calling for travel companies to stop promoting the attractions, and governments worldwide to close down tiger entertainment venues where neglect and cruelty occurs. 

Image courtesy of World Animal Protection
 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.