Thomas Cook UK & Ireland backs happy horses holiday code

The Brooke’s Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign has gained the support of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland.

The campaign, now in its second year, calls on all tourists to take action by pledging support and following the Brooke’s Happy Horses Holiday Code

The Brooke is a UK charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules across the developing world. The organisation is determined to highlight the unnecessary suffering hundreds of thousands of equine animals employed in the tourist trade endure in the name of holiday fun.

The Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign urges tourists to think and act responsibly, and with Thomas Cook UK & Ireland’s support, it hopes to spread that message even further.
To support the campaign Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has included the Happy Horses Holiday

Code in its resort information provided to holidaymakers, in destinations where donkeys and horses are used.
 

Here are some simple steps taken from the Brooke’ Happy Horses Holiday Code which every tourist can follow:

• Is the animal happy and healthy?
• Can it carry/ pull my weight?
•  Am I paying a fair price?

Andy Cooper, Director of Government & External Affairs at Thomas Cook Group, said, “Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has been actively addressing sustainability issues for many years. We take responsible tourism very seriously, so we are delighted to support the Brooke’s campaign.”
 

Kimberly Wells from Brooke’s Animal Welfare team adds: “When people travel overseas their excitement of being on holiday can often overshadow consideration for the welfare of horses and donkeys they use.  Whilst a carriage or donkey ride can be fun and also provide a vital income for animal owners, not every horse and donkey is fit for the journey.
 

 “We are urging tourists to do their bit and work with us to reduce animal suffering across the world. It’s simple: think before you ride! By following the Brooke’s Happy Horses Holiday Code when on holiday, all tourists can help make a huge difference to the lives of working horses and donkeys overseas.”
 

The Brooke works in 11 countries across Asia, Africa, Central America and the Middle East, including popular tourist destinations such as Cairo, Luxor, Edfu and Petra. Via mobile veterinary teams and field clinics, the Brooke ensures animals are healthy and fit for work. Community education and training programmes also ensure animal owners develop better husbandry skills. The Brooke’s lifesaving work helps ease suffering, while supporting the livelihoods of the families who depend on their animals to bring in an income. This year the Brooke will help more than 800,000 animals.

Valere Tjolle
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Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suitewww.travelmole.com/stories/1143624.php