Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has written to Jet2holidays urging the operator to stop featuring marine parks as part of its packages.
The long-time supporter of animal rights charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) sent a letter to Jet2holidays chief executive Steve Heapy ahead of a concert in Leeds tonight (Wednesday) where the company is based.
Morrissey called on the company to drop marine ‘abusement’ parks that keep orcas and dolphins in captivity.
He highlighted parks such as Loro Parque in Tenerife where creatures are “held captive for the amusement of tourists”.
The singer wrote: “Day in and day out, these animals can do little else but swim in endless circles. They’re even forced to perform demeaning tricks in exchange for food.
“Anyone who thinks that’s entertainment needs to get their head checked. And anyone who profits from this abuse should be ashamed.”
In the letter to Heapy, Morrissey said: “I’ll be appearing in Leeds soon as part of the Sounds of the City concert series and welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this issue – or, better yet, I hope I can tell my audience that Jet2holidays is no longer associated with cruel marine parks.”
A petition organised by Peta urging Jet2holidays to drop marine parks from its itineraries has been signed by almost 40,000 people.
A Jet2holidays spokesperson said: “We are aware of the debate surrounding such venues, and whilst there continues to be high customer demand, we recognise how critical it is that animal welfare standards are adhered to.
“It is important to note that we are committed to only working with venues that agree to uphold the highest standards.”
Jet2 last year reaffirmed its commitment to working only with captive cetacean attractions that “uphold the highest standards” after Peta became a shareholder in the company to lobby its executives to stop “promoting” such venues.
Image via Shutterstock / Christian Bertrand