Image: @scottmctominay / Instagram
Scott McTominay’s actions have drawn widespread criticism from animal welfare organisations.
Scott McTominay has come under fire following his exploits in Dubai, after footage surfaced of him playing tug of war with a tiger.
The Manchester United midfielder, who is enjoying his holiday ahead of the restart of the Premier League in Dubai, shared clippings of his visit to Fame Park.
The ‘private exotic farm’ is owned by Emirati entrepreneur Saif Ahmad Belhasa and has had visits from the likes of Lionel Messi, Anthony, Virgil van Dijk, John Stones, and Patrice Evra in the past.
The video posted on McTominay’s Instagram shows him posing with various animals, including a bear, giant snakes and reptiles. However, his interactions with the big cat have drawn some scathing criticism.
‘Degrading spectacles’
A host of animal welfare organisations have raised their voices in the face of the growing trend of sportspeople visiting similar exotic farms.
Renowned advocacy organisation, Humane International said: “Facilities excuse their ‘human vs. beast experiences,’ such as tug of war, as being helpful to well-being by mimicking natural behaviours.
“But that simply acknowledges that life in captivity limits the lives of these animals in such a way that they are forced to engage in degrading spectacles.”
World Animal Protection’s Katheryn Wise added: “It’s disappointing. These incredible animals are not commodities to gain likes on social media.
“Captive wild animals face a lifetime of suffering, just for the enjoyment of tourists. Wild animals are not ours to exploit. They belong in the wild.”
And Four Paws representative Sonul Badiani-Hammett stated: “It is so upsetting to see someone who so many people look up to acting in this way.
Celebrities and ethics
McTominay is by no way the only celebrity, who has been called out for misusing their clout and abusing animals for entertainment.
Earlier this year, Britney Spears was slammed for posting videos showing her playing with a chained monkey whilst on a holiday in Mexico.
Last year, singer and television personality Peter Andre was called out for letting his teenage daughter swim with captive dolphins on holiday.
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