Animals as an Attraction on the Black Sea Coast: Institutions Investigate Reports of Cruelty and Exploitation

Black Sea resorts are once again at the center of a scandal related to ethics and the treatment of animals. Dozens of reports to institutions have revealed the practice of using living creatures as "short-term attractions" for tourists, which has triggered a wave of indignation on social media.

One of the most protested cases involves machines in Ravda and Sunny Beach that offer "catch a live fish." Tourists describe the attraction as extremely cruel, as the fish are exposed to direct sunlight in aquariums before being handed over to buyers, who often do not know how to keep them alive.

In addition to the fish, inspections also cover the use of parrots for photos, as well as reports of snakes that are allegedly drugged or restrained by taping their jaws. The Regional Inspectorate on Environment and Water (RIEW) in Burgas confirmed that inspections are already underway, noting that in some cases, the animals were acquired legally, but regulations for such attractions are lacking.

The Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFQA) emphasizes that this is the first such report regarding decorative fish used as a tourist attraction. The institution is considering the possibility of joint inspections with the Food Safety Agency and other competent authorities.

Conservationists, represented by the organization "United for Animal Rights," are calling for urgent legislative changes. According to them, current laws allow for the legalization of improper animal exploitation, whereas a total ban on their use for financial profit should be introduced.

Investigations into reports of the exploitation of wild flora and fauna are ongoing, with reports also filed with the Ministry of Interior regarding the use of prohibited bird species for tourist photos along the resort promenades.