Emerging blinking into spring, many of us are thinking about that much needed short break or holiday abroad. The reality behind the glossy brochures can be shocking however, for it is in many popular destinations that graphic incidences of animal cruelty occur.

This week a Market & Opinion Research International, (MORI) survey of 1,977 UK adults conducted on behalf of the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has revealed the true extent of this distressing and still widespread issue.

64% of holiday makers surveyed had experienced scenes of cruelty to working animals abroad

DOGS (42%) and DONKEYS (42%), were the most frequently reported animals at threat

A third reported distressing experiences or cruelty toward HORSES and CATS

35% of men and women travellers explained that a 'different culture' could mean animal welfare was not as important as in Britain

41% of all people believe that animal welfare education is the most important tool for change

Some of the most common mistreatments involve branding working animals with hot irons to cure lameness or using motor oil to treat wounds.

The use of inhumane bits made of savage wire or sharp metal fitted inside the mouth is still common, as is nostril cutting to ease breathing and make the animal work harder. SPANA's experience is that most cruelty is caused by lack of knowledge on the part of animal owners and the charity therefore provides education and veterinary support to owners and their animals respectively.

Holiday makers can alert SPANA by visiting their website at www.spana.org.

SPANA CEO Jeremy Hulme wants to remind holiday makers of how they can help:

"We've had many incidences originating from reports provided by UK travellers that have led to us rescuing or providing care to animals or providing education for the owner. Indeed, in January 2003 SPANA received a letter from a distressed cat lover from Wrexham in North Wales, the lady who had just returned from a trip to Tunisia had stayed in Port-el Kantaoui.

"She had been upset by the sight of four destitute cats frequenting the hotel's grounds and asked if SPANA could help them. SPANA contacted the hotel and found that there were not just four but 35 cats all in need of basic veterinary treatment and neutering.

"By 15th April 2003 all the animals had been treated much to the relief of the hotel and the lady who originally reported the problem. She was so pleased she went on to donate £350, the amount required to treat all 35 animals".

SPANA wants holiday makers to visit their website and post a report with picture of any serious incidents. The charity will then be in a position alert their colleagues in countries where they have bases or can liaise with local organisations to identify the animal and attempt to resolve the issue.

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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