Local networking saves bears from cruel contest

Mar 11, 2008

Bear baiting event, Pakistan
© WSPA

WSPA member society the Bioresource Research Centre Pakistan (PBRC) prevented a bear baiting event in February 2008, saving two bears from multiple violent attacks by powerful dogs.

WSPA and PBRC’s local networking program enabled them to enlist support against the powerful landlords who arranged the event.

Landlords stand to make large profits from bets placed on the bloody contests, despite this cruelty being illegal in Pakistan and contrary to religious teachings.

Stopping the fight

PBRC, working with Punjab wildlife officials, managed to prevent the baiting taking place with a carefully planned and timed intervention.

But when the authorities attempted to confiscate the bears they were prevented from doing so by the influential landlords who had set up the lucrative event.

Removing bears from danger

PBRC remove the bear's chains, nose rope and bell collar
© WSPA

Not to be deterred, PBRC contacted a local figure, Saad Ahmad Niazi, who had been recruited through the landlord networking program, which also involves local religious leaders.

Once an organizer of bear baiting events, Saad now asks others to turn their back on this most savage of blood sports.

The landlords own only the dogs used in baiting events, so Saad appealed directly to the bear owners. He was able to convince them to surrender the bears, and offered to help them find cruelty-free future livelihoods.