A leading animal rights group has been accused of threatening to target holidaymakers over Easter to force a travel company to stop selling tickets to marine parks.
Concerns have been raised by MPs and others after alleged tactics used by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) against Jet2Holidays to end the sale of tickets.
A source told Express.co.uk that the animal rights zealots were invited into the company to make their case about ending the sale of tickets to marine attractions and zoos but had failed to convince the company. They then are accused of turning to “unpleasant tactics”.
The source said: “PETA and other extreme animal rights groups have been trying to get airlines to stop selling tickets to zoos overseas, especially those with dolphins and orcas. Unpleasant tactics include vicious personal abuse of the CEO, pressurising banks/travel partners, protesting outside offices.
“Last week, PETA threatened to demo at five airports targeting Jet2 passengers over Easter.”
The alleged threats have echoes of the Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion protests which have seen roads brought to a standstill and public art and buildings targeted.
The soft approach by the police to these protests and those of pro-Palestinian anti-Israel extremists have led companies to fear that they will not be protected when aggressive leftwing groups target them.
Romford Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell, a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for zoos, warned that PETA’s actions were counterproductive to animal welfare.
He said: “As a staunch advocate for both animal welfare and tourism, I strongly oppose calls to force Jet2 to stop cease selling tickets to zoos and aquariums due to pressure from far-left activists.
“Zoos play a crucial role in conservation and education, providing valuable experiences for tourists and supporting wildlife preservation efforts. Targeting zoos is misguided; instead, efforts should focus on ensuring high standards of animal care and conservation.
“Jet2 should not be pressured into curtailing legitimate tourist activities that contribute positively to both local economies and wildlife conservation.”
One of the zoos hit by the action is Loro Parque in Tenerife which has orcas and dolphins.
Christoph Kiessling, Vice President of Loro Parque Zoo in Tenerife, said: “We are hugely grateful to Jet2 for the successful commercial partnership we have enjoyed over the years, and are sad that this is coming to an end.
“We understand that, when faced with protests and disruption threatening the safety of Jet2 passengers at airports over Easter, they were given no choice but to act.
“Loro Parque will continue to welcome visitors from the UK and around the world. Those who want to visit our zoo to see first hand how we look after those animals under our care can book directly or through other travel providers.
“Loro Parque will not give in to threats from extreme animal rights activists because we know that zoos play a vital role in protecting species under threat.”
A spokeswoman for PETA insisted the group’s actions have been “peaceful”.
She said: “PETA applauds Jet2holidays for seeing the light and concluding, as almost all other major travel operators have, that selling tickets to venues that deprive intelligent, self-aware dolphins of a meaningful life for human amusement is unjustifiable.
“The company’s decision follows two years of peaceful campaigning from PETA, during which time we provided decision-makers with scientific reports, held eye-catching protests, and sent passionate appeals from cetacean experts, conservationists, and celebrities. The tide has turned against marine abusement parks – and there’s no turning back.”
A Jet2 spokesman said: “A key driver of our success is the fact that we continually review every element of our operation, and as part of that process, we encourage and welcome feedback from a range of stakeholders.
“Consequently, and following a thorough end-to-end review, we can confirm that Jet2holidays will no longer sell tickets to venues which feature cetaceans (orcas, whales and dolphins) for entertainment. This comes into effect from 27/03/2024. However, we can confirm that all existing bookings will be honoured.”
