Bear Baiting : ATAAC

Animal Issues
Animals We Eat Fast Facts Live Animal Export Factory Farming Animals We Exploit Circuses Zoos Horse Racing Rodeos Animals We Test On Dissection Vivisection Animals We Wear Fur Leather Silk Wool Dog & Cat Fur Exotic Skins Hunting Animals Animals We Neglect Say No To Animals In Pet Shops

International Issues
Animals In The Ocean Whaling Dolphin Massacre Tuna Crisis Shark Finning Seal Clubbing Animals On The Land Bear Farming Bear Baiting Dancing Bears Orangutan Crisis Stray Dog Crisis

Cruelty Free Living
Companies Animal Friendly Animal Testing Nutrition Change Your Life NOW Vegetarian & Vegan

Bear Baiting

Monday, 07 January 2008

The best way to describe bear baiting, is that it is possibly the most savage sport in the world. Pakistan is the only country in the world where this takes place. Gentle asiatic brown bears have their claws and teeth removed, they are then tied to a post and set upon by vicious dogs. This is all done for entertainment.

A bear is forced to fight anytime from 3 years old upwards. most die between 4 to 7 years of age. In the wild their life expectancy is 20 to 30 years.

Where does it take place?
Only in Pakistan, and occurs in the winter months between november to April.

Is it illegal?
Yes, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890 and under the Pakistan Wildlife Act. It is also illegal under Islamic Law to bait animals.

What type of injuries occur?
Bears sustain more injuries than dogs and usually suffer ripped noses and mouths. Most bears are permanently scarred, but the killing of either animal is avoided, as they are too valuable.

How many animals are involved?
Up to 300 bears, and around 1000 dogs were involved. It then came to the attention of WSPA who took up a campaign to stop it and bring world wide attention to this dispicable 'sport'. Today the number of fighting bears has been reduced to around 50.

How many people attend?
Most fights attract a crowd of up to 2000 spectators.

The rules of the game

Bear tied to central pivot by a rope 2 - 5m long.

2 - 6 dogs target head area.

If the dog can attack head area and pull bear down, forcing bear to roll then the dog wins.

Bears wins if it can remain on its feet. This is rare.

Points system on level of submission.Landlord usually wins.

Bear rises to its hind legs and tries to beat the dogs off.

Smaller bears tuck their heads under their bodies.

You can watch this video here showing bear baiting, but be warned, it is graphic. It may upset some people. I have watched many videos and this without a doubt would have to have to be one of the cruelest and saddest.