Bear baiting is one of the most barbaric acts of inhumanity. This article is about it going on in Pakistan, but it also goes on in the United States!

STRAIGHT FROM THE WORLD SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS:

The brutal but lucrative contests are organized by powerful local landlords. They own and train the dogs, which are also victims of this 'sport', encouraging ferocity in attack situations.

The bears are owned by Kalanders – traditional bear owners –who are paid by the landlords to bring the bears to fight.

Bear baiting is banned by the Pakistan Wildlife Act and contravenes Islamic teachings, which forbid the baiting of animals.

Taking actionDogs attack during a bear baiting event, Pakistan
© WSPA/Mark RissiWSPA and member society the Pakistan Biodiversity Research Center (PBRC) have helped to dramatically reduce the number of bear baiting events in recent years, by:

• Campaigning to bring awareness of international opposition to the "sport" to the Pakistani authorities.
• Working with the Pakistani government and wildlife officials to halt the fights and look at alternative livelihoods for bear owners.
• Monitoring the numbers of captive bears and pushing for prosecution.
• Building the Kund Park sanctuary, providing a home for confiscated bears.
• Educating potential spectators through a mobile phone awareness unit and religious teachings. In 2007, WSPA persuaded over 1,000 mosques in target areas to preach against bear baiting.
• Calling for greater action to prevent illegal bear cub poaching. A Pakistan-wide educational program has raised awareness of the issue.