Bear baiting
In rural Pakistan, up to 2,000 spectators will assemble to watch a tethered and clawless bear set upon by trained fighting dogs.
WSPA is working hard to permanently stop what we believe is one of the world’s most savage blood sports.
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.
WSPA is helping to end this gruesome blood sport
© WSPA/Mark Rissi
WSPA and member society the Pakistan Biodiversity Research Centre (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.
- Providing 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 cell 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 programme has raised awareness of the issue.
How you can help
WSPA has tracked down and stopped many bear baiting events. We’re getting closer to ending this brutal blood sport altogether.
But there is still much more work to be done and you can help.
Never attend a bear baiting event or any other attraction which neglects animal welfare. Be sure to report illegal or cruel activities to the authorities, local humane societies. Also, encourage your travel provider to not include these types of activities on tours.Read more about being an animal friendly traveler >>
WSPA needs to gain political support for our call to make bear ownership illegal. Please support us so more wild bears can be made safe to enjoy a life free from fear and injury.
WSPA is also campaigning for a Univerversal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at the United Nations to achieve international recognition that animals matter and goverments should be doing more to protect them. You can help by signing our Animals Matter to Me petition in support of a UDAW.
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