Animals Asia's response to China Government Statements on Bear Farming

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends of Animals Asia,

 

You may have recently read news of the European Declaration calling

for China to end bear farming and asking the Government to escalate

the ongoing closure of the bear farms and the rescue of the bears

into the care of Animals Asia.

 

Soon after, there followed a press conference held by the Chinese

Government rebutting the resolution and stating that they had no

intention of eliminating the practice of bear farming before an

alternative to bear bile could be found. They added that it was a

necessary component of Traditional , involving a

completely painless procedure for the bears.

 

Having just returned from Beijing, this is to update you on the

current situation, and our response.

 

The press briefing on Thursday 12th January 2006 by Wang Wei, Deputy of the Department of Wildlife Conservation Under State

Forestry Administration, was particularly interesting at this present

time. It was not an unexpected reaction to the European Declaration

calling on bear farming to end and, we believe, has been guided for

the most part by comments which are " vintage " bear farmer propaganda.

 

Team members of Animals Asia have been fighting for the bears since

1993. During that time setbacks and interventions have challenged our

work and progress, but still we remain in China rescuing the bears.

We are neither undermined nor overwhelmed by this recent press

conference. In many ways we welcome it, as we believe that it will

now see greater scrutiny by a greater number of people in China

itself - both within Government and without.

 

It is a fact that the rescue would not be where it is today were it

not for our Government partners; the China Wildlife Conservation

Association in Beijing, and the Sichuan Forestry Department in

Chengdu. They have stated on record that they joined us to bring bear

farming to an end, and that they are also authorised to speak on

behalf of the Central Government in that respect. It is as a direct

result of their help and intervention that over 40 farms have been

closed down, and 198 bears have been recued into our care.

 

However, it is clear that Wang Wei's current comments seriously

conflict with these messages previously conveyed. Suggestions on

Thursday that bear bile is irreplaceable, that humane methods of bile

extraction exist and that old footage is being used (suggestions that

we have already heard many times from the bear farmers) - must now be

challenged more directly.

 

Even as recently as November 2005 our investigations have revealed

bears still incarcerated in tiny wire cages, still wearing full metal

jackets, still implanted with catheters, and still suffering obscene

impacts to their health and welfare as a result of the bile

extraction techniques which they are forced to endure.

 

We know that the new, so-called " humane " , method of bile extraction

is causing profound suffering and death to the bears - and we have

more recent evidence that newer methods are now in use of which the

government is unaware.

We know too that bear bile can indeed be easily and cheaply replaced.

Eminent Chinese Doctors have already responded to Thursday's

briefing, with Professor Liu Zhengcai stating: " any other Chinese

medicines - such as chrysanthemums - or Western medicines are more

effective. Bear bile is not a magic cure. "

 

Finally we have new evidence that the success rate of breeding may

not be as successful as the bear farmers maintain - individuals have

admitted paying rural people to take cubs from the wild to supplement

the captive population on their farms, clearly conducting a practice

against China's current wildlife regulations.

 

We sincerely hope that, after many years of requesting such a

meeting, and now hearing Wang Wei offer the opportunity for groups to

speak directly with his department, that he will now allow the truth

of the bear farming industry to be urgently conveyed.

 

As the only group currently rescuing bears in China, with nearly 13

years of hands on professional knowledge of their plight, we feel

qualified to bring relevant information to Wang Wei's department

which will clarify the reality of this repugnant, unnecessary

industry once and for all. We have also extended an invitation to

Wang Wei and his Department to visit our Sanctuary in Chengdu and are

requesting permission to visit the 68 regulated farms which the

Government has sanctioned.

 

Last but not least, our thanks to you all for giving 100% support to

this campaign. It is true that we've reached a challenging time once

again, but let us use this opportunity to speak out for the bears and

expose an industry steeped in cruelty and deceit. Over seven thousand

wretched Moon Bears are relying on our voice and support - they have

never needed us more.

 

Warm wishes,

Jill

Jill Robinson MBE

Founder & CEO

Animals Asia Foundation