LONDON, July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Over half of British adults (52%) say that if they saw an animal being mistreated abroad on holiday it would put them off visiting that country again.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120718/545968 )

According to a new YouGov* survey commissioned by international animal charity SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), over one in five British adults (22%) have seen animals being mistreated when on holiday overseas, but over three-quarters of these holidaymakers (77%) made no attempt to report the most recent incident of mistreatment that they saw.  The majority of these holidaymakers (71%) said they had seen animals used in the tourism industry mistreated.

The survey also found that over a quarter (28%) of British adults who have been on holiday abroad have taken part in an animal-related activity such as a camel safari or horse and carriage ride where they have been concerned for the welfare of the animals involved.

As millions of Britons prepare for their summer holidays, SPANA has launched an ethical animal tourism guide and is encouraging tourists to do their homework before going on animal activities abroad.

SPANA supporter and animal lover Ann Widdecombe is backing the charity's efforts.  She said: "I'm absolutely appalled that so many people are seeing animals used in the tourism industry being mistreated when on holiday abroad.

"As a self-proclaimed nation of animal lovers we need to stop animals used in the tourism industry suffering for the sake of our enjoyment by following advice from animal charities like SPANA."

For more information about SPANA's ethical animal tourism advice, including how to report the mistreatment of animals abroad, visit: http://www.spana.org/tourism.

Survey methodology

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2054 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th - 21st June 2012.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

For more photos or media enquiries about SPANA and the survey please contact:
Katie Kennedy
+44(0)207-2692691
+44(0)7796-140089
Katie@spana.org

http://www.spana.org

SOURCE SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)