Two years in power and still, the UK’s Labour government chooses not to implement the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, which passed into law in 2023. This legislation should see the banning of adverts and the sale of specific unethical activities abroad where animals are kept in captivity, subjected to cruel methods, forced to take selfies and more. A world first, this law was intended to stop travel companies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from selling and promoting attractions that exploit wild animals overseas, including captive dolphin and whale shows – three years later, it still has not been brought into force.
Regulations must be effective and work in practice. Animals are exploited in the global tourism industry, and this needs to stop. The UK Government is ignoring its own law, and until it’s implemented, dolphins, elephants, orcas, and numerous other species will continue suffering in tourist facilities. The UK positions itself as a world leader in animal welfare standards both at home and abroad – not in this instance, its failure to enact its own law tells a different story.
In March 2026, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated that it was continuing to engage with stakeholders, including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups, to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare animal activities abroad. However, no animal welfare NGO has been approached as part of this engagement. The Department said it would set out its next steps in due course, yet four months later, the legislation remains stalled.
Marine Connection is part of a powerful coalition of charities, calling on the Government to stop UK companies promoting animal cruelty abroad. Learn more about the campaign
Today is World Day for Captive Dolphins. Established in 1992, it is observed every year on July 4 to raise awareness of the thousands of dolphins living in captivity around the world. Deprived of the freedom to express their natural behaviours, these intelligent, social animals remain confined just for human entertainment.
