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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.