Tourism is one of the world's largest industries. While this might make the world seem like a smaller place, the animal exploitation you may witness on holiday can make you feel a million miles from home. If you encounter animal abuse while abroad, here are some tips that will help you to help animals.

1. Do not attend events that exploit animals or cause suffering, such as bullfights, circuses, zoos or aquariums.

2. If you are at a hotel or resort that displays wild animals, express your disapproval in writing to the management.

3. Never pay to have your picture taken posing with a wild animal.

4. Do not purchase wild animals or animal products that are offered for sale.

5. If you want to help stray cats and dogs, make a donation to a local animal shelter, rather than offering animals scraps of food.

6. Avoid hotels that cause a disturbance to turtle nesting ground.

7. Living corals take centuries to grow, and provide vital support for marine life. Never purchase or take living organisms from the sea.

8. Before you go on holiday, find out if there are any local animal welfare societies who may be able to give veterinary help. Details of WSPA member organisations are on our International website at Worldwide Network.

9. Report the incident of cruelty, including the date, time, location, type and number of animals involved:

• To the local police
• To the local tourist office
• To a local animal welfare society
• To your tour operator
• To WSPA on your return

10. Always record what you have seen on film; photographs or videotape are invaluable evidence, but never pay to take them.

Use the e-mail link below to report an incident. Or, for more information on animal abuse while overseas, contact one of WSPA's offices.

• Report an incident
• Contact addresses