The World Society for Protection of Animals, present in 91 countries, has been fighting since 1993 against bear baiting, which is a common practice in several regions of Pakistan.
Here are the main elements at the disposal of the World Society for Protection of Animals.
Only in Pakistan.
Yes, under the under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890.
Bears sustain more injuries than dogs, usually ripped noses and mouths. Most are permanently scared but the killing of either animal is avoided as they are too valuable.
They say it is difficult to stop because it takes place in remote areas, but orders have been issued to local police chiefs to stop bear baiting.
Yes. Field investigators report that events are becoming harder to find. One of the most important bear baiting meetings at Kundian in Punjab was cancelled in February 1998.
Up to 300 bears, and around 1000 dogs were involved when WSPA first undertook investigations. Today the numbers of fighting bears has been reduced to around 50.
Most fights attract a crowd of about 3000 spectators.
About 100 Asiatic black bears are captured in the forests of the NWFP each year. This poses a serious threat to the survival of the species.
Admission costs the equivalent of 25 pence, a bear owner receives up to £75 per event, and a fully trained bear or dog can be worth over £1000.
Very good. The government is trying to enforce the law, and education programmes are working to explain the cruelty involved. In 2001 only a few baiting events were found and WSPA investigators continue to monitor areas for these illegal events. In 2000 the first bear was confiscated from a baiting event. WSPA has now built a 12 acre bear sanctuary in the NWFP of Pakistan and it is being handed over to the Ministry of Forestry in mid 2002. So far there are one brown bear and four black bears at the sanctuary. WSPA is working with the Pakistan authorities to confiscate all bear cubs held by gypsies. In addition, we are working on wide-scale education programmes to create public awareness of the illegality of bear baiting.
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