Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023

This Act allows the UK government to ban the advertising and promotion of certain animal activities that happen in other countries. The government can make regulations to stop UK businesses from selling or marketing trips to activities it considers harmful to animal welfare, such as elephant rides or swimming with captive dolphins. The Act gives ministers the power to create a list of banned activities and set penalties for companies that break the rules. Businesses found advertising these activities could face fines or other legal action. The government says this will reduce demand for activities that cause animal suffering abroad. Critics argue it restricts business freedom and may not effectively improve animal welfare in other countries. The Act applies to advertising and promotion within the UK, even when the actual activities take place overseas.

• 1Bans UK advertising of certain animal activities that happen abroad
• 2Government can create list of activities considered harmful to animals
• 3Applies to tour operators and other businesses selling animal experiences
• 4Companies breaking rules face fines or legal action
• 5Aims to reduce UK demand for activities the government considers cruel