Hotel suffers social media backlash over animal cruelty allegations
An iconic UK hotel has been hit by a wave of bad publicity on social media following reports of animal cruelty.
The RSPCA is investigating reports a kitten was beaten to death by staff at The Royal Oak Hotel, Betwys-y-Coed, North Wales.
In a Facebook status, which has since been deleted, the hotel allegedly admitted staff killed the kitten but said it was ‘humanely euthanised’.
Hotel boss Glen Evans denied newspaper reports the kitten was shoved in a plastic bag then beaten with a rolling pin and smashed against the wall after it got trapped in the hotel kitchen, but refused to elaborate on how the animal was killed.
He told the Daily Post: "In hindsight of course I wish things were dealt with differently. But unless new information comes to light, the staff have not done anything unlawful."
The hotel’s Facebook page was taken down after people complained about the incident however its separate restaurant page remained live and was flooded with one-star reviews.
An online petition calling for prosecutions against those involved has received 20,000 signatures.
The petition says: "We demand the RSPCA prosecute those responsible. They must make an example of those responsible for this cruel and unnecessary act.
"Members of the public simply can’t go around killing animals whenever they choose.
"This poor, defenceless, innocent, kitten was simply hungry. They could have handed the cat to the RSPCA or a local shelter. There was absolutely no need to commit this vile act."
The Royal Oak confirmed the RSPCA had visited the premises and said ‘staff involved understand why such an incident will upset people’.
Two members of staff have been sacked over the incident.
The RSPCA said the investigation is on going.
By Anne Kao
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025