Instagram Institutes Animal Safety Alerts to Inform Users of Potential Cruelty
One trend that shows up often on Instagram is people taking pictures with animals—from domestic dogs and cats to more exotic animals like elephants, tigers, dolphins and koalas. However, these wildlife photos come at a price, and Instagram has decided to take a stand to spread awareness.
Many people see Instagram posts of someone holding a tiger cub or sitting on an elephant or kissing a dolphin, and they think that it is an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience. What they don’t consider is what goes on behind the scenes for those animals.
What you may not know is that back in 2017, an Instagram alert was instituted in order to spread awareness about animal rights and the animal cruelty that makes those wildlife Instagram posts possible.
In an official statement, Instagram explains, “The protection and safety of the natural world are important to us and our global community. We encourage everyone to be thoughtful about interactions with wild animals and the environment to help avoid exploitation and to report any photos and videos you may see that may violate our community guidelines.”
These Instagram alerts are still in effect today. For example, when someone searches for #koalakiss, #slothselfie, #dolphinkiss or #elephantride, an Instagram alert will pop up on their screen.
Image via screenshot taken from Instagram
They even have alerts for hashtags related to the sale of exotic animals. Instagram says, “We are committed to fostering a safer, kinder world both on Instagram and beyond the app. If you’d like to learn more about endangered wildlife and exploitation, visit World Wildlife Fund, TRAFFIC and World Animal Protection.”
Image via jdross75/Shutterstock.com
For more interesting news stories, check out these articles:
Hundreds of Golden Retrievers Gather in Scotland for Breed’s 150th Birthday
Dr. Seuss May Have Been Inspired by the Patas Monkey While Creating the Lorax
Lottery Winners Donate Windsor Castle Dog House to Animal Shelter
A Mule Named Wallace Takes on Dressage and Leaves a Winner
The Disappearance of North America’s First Dogs May Be Solved Thanks to Dog DNA Breakthrough