Target: Cameron Harsh, Programs Director of World Animal Protection
Goal: Support efforts to limit and ban camel rides and other cruel tourism activities.
The exploitation of animals in the tourism industry has unfortunately been a persistent trend worldwide. This ForceChange petition called attention to one of the longest-running forms of such exploitation: camel rides around Egyptian pyramids. A years-long campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called out the physical abuse, starvation, and overworking that allegedly takes place routinely in this industry. Major industry leaders are finally listening.
Nearly 50 travel companies and tour operators (such as prominent heavy hitters Airbnb and Marriott) have ended their promotion and offering of Giza Pyramid camel rides. Instead, the companies have focused on providing fun experiences – such as massive photo ops and large meals — that do not derive from animal cruelty. Several of the companies have gone a step further by imbedding strong animal welfare guidelines into their itinerary offerings, not just for camel rides but for other excursions at top destinations that involve animals. These moves by influential entities in the tourism industry have even inspired some governments to change their animal welfare policies in regard to tours and excursions.
Sign the petition below to thank the passionate organizers who have helped kickstart the movement away from animal cruelty in tourism.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Harsh,
“It really is this growing movement of animal-friendly travel and solutions-based travel and sustainable travel.” You made this promising statement in the wake of the tourism industry’s continued shift away from Egyptian camel rides and other excursions that profit off the exploitation of animals. Because of the work of your organization and other dedicated activists like PETA, an ever-increasing number of tour operators and travel companies are joining the movement.
Thank you for bringing attention to and spurring needed action against this often-overlooked form of animal cruelty.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: cuatrok77
