Singapore: Wiping out the trade in endangered species for TCM in Singapore

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PRESS RELEASE

1 March 2007

 

WIPING OUT THE TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES FOR TCM IN SINGAPORE

 

SINGAPORE, 1 March 2007- The Animal Concerns Research and Education

Society (Acres) today announces the signing of a landmark Memorandum

of Understanding between Acres and the Singapore TCM Organisations

Committee (STOC) with regard to the launch of the " Acres & STOC

Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Labelling Scheme " . The scheme aims

to end the trade in endangered species for TCM in Singapore.

 

The launch of this scheme follows a recent Acres undercover

investigation into the illegal trade in bear products in Singapore

for TCM, conducted from May until October 2006. The investigation

revealed a significant drop in the trade in bear products. A total

of 23 TCM shops (20.0% of shops surveyed) were found offering

alleged bear products for sale to Acres investigators (recorded on

video), compared to 50 shops (73.5% of shops surveyed) in a 2001

Acres survey.

 

Acres understands from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA)

that products confiscated from 2 of the 23 shops were found to be

genuine bear products. However, under the Endangered Species (Import

and Export) Act 2006 (ESA), it is also an offence to advertise bear

products for sale even if the products turn out to not be genuine.

As a result of the investigation, 6 shops were fined under the ESA

and 17 shops were given warning letters.

 

" Following the recent investigation carried out by Acres, WSPA is

very pleased to see that levels of trade have reduced in Singapore

compared with previous findings. The level of co-operation the

authorities have shown in response to the investigation is a credit

to the AVA and an example to other countries struggling to cope with

the global trade in bear parts. " said Mr. Dave Eastham, Head of

Wildlife, WSPA.

 

The continued trade creates a demand for bear products and fuels the

exploitation of bears held in deplorable conditions on bear farms.

The practice of farming bears for their bile is inhumane on the

grounds that it severely and unavoidably compromises the physical

and psychological health of bears.

 

It is also detrimental to wild populations of bears, especially in

Asia. The reality is that, despite the presence of farmed bear bile,

the gall from a wild bear is seen as more potent in TCM, and is

worth considerably more. CITES (Convention on the International

Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Resolution

Conf. 10.8 has stated that if CITES Parties and States not-party do

not take action to eliminate such trade, poaching may cause declines

of wild bears that could lead to the extirpation of certain

populations or even species.

 

" We are delighted that trade levels have dropped so significantly.

The launch of this scheme is an important step forward in our

efforts to completely wipe out the trade in endangered species. It

is very encouraging that, during this investigation, 1 shopkeeper

recommended herbal alternatives instead of bear products. Indeed,

there are over 50 herbal alternatives to bear bile and we look

forward to working with STOC toward promoting these " said Ms.

Charlene Tan, Acres Director of Investigations.

 

The labelling scheme aims to discourage the selling of endangered

species for TCM. TCM shops committed to not selling endangered

species products will receive the " Acres & STOC Endangered Species-

Friendly TCM Label " to place at the entrance of the shop,

advertising that no endangered species products are for sale. Acres

urges the public to only patronise shops with this label.

 

" STOC and its members have been in support of the protection of

endangered species. However, there still seems to have trading

activities of endangered species product in the market. By

participating in this labeling scheme, we can create more awareness

of the need to protect endangered species among the traders as well

as the general customers. This also reaffirms our commitment to the

cause " said Mr. Lee Tiong Sa, Chairman of STOC.

 

Animals Asia Foundation's founder and CEO, Jill Robinson said: " We

are delighted to fund this labelling scheme to educate consumers

that by buying bear bile and other endangered animal products they

are directly contributing to the suffering and demise of a range of

species.

 

" Through our own campaign to end bear bile farming, we know that

animal products can be replaced by herbal alternatives and that

consumer education is vital to ensuring long-term change. The use of

endangered animal products conflicts with the underlying ethos of

traditional medicine, that healing should be in harmony with

nature. "

 

TCM plays an important role in providing complementary health care

to Singaporeans. It is part of a great historical tradition and the

culture of many Chinese Singaporeans and must be preserved.

 

Acres will continue our efforts in monitoring the illegal trade in

endangered species in Singapore and also in creating awareness about

the cruelty and illegality of this trade.

 

Contact:

Louis Ng (Acres Executive Director)

Email: louis Handphone: +65 97968592

 

- ends -

 

Notes to editors

• Under Section 4 of the Endangered Species (Import and

Export) Act 2006, anyone who advertises for sale any bear product(s)

contravenes the Act, even if the product turns out to be not

authentic. By making a claim that the product is from bears, the

dealer is potentially driving up the demand for bear products which

directly contravenes the spirit of CITES and the local legislation

meant to enforce CITES.

 

• Photos of bear farms and photos and videos of the undercover

investigation are available on request.

 

• Acres

Acres is a local animal welfare charity aimed at fostering respect

and compassion for all animals. The society is driven by its concern

for animals and adopts research projects on the use of animals in

various fields. Research findings are then used to educate the

public to promote active community involvement in the animal welfare

movement, as well as strive towards synergistic partnerships with

authorities and related parties. Acres has been tackling the illegal

wildlife trade since 2001 and has conducted more than 130 roadshows

and/or talks to raise awareness on animal welfare issues in

Singapore and to create a more socially responsible community. It

currently has more than 3,000 individuals on its supporter database.

 

• Animals Asia Foundation

The Acres & STOC Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Labelling Scheme is

funded by Animals Asia Foundation (AAF). AAF is a Hong Kong-based

charity dedicated to ending cruelty and restoring respect for

animals across Asia. In July 2000, AAF signed a landmark agreement

with the Chinese authorities to rescue 500 suffering and endangered

Moon Bears and work towards ending the barbaric practice of bear

bile farming. To date, more than 215 previously farmed Moon Bears

have been rescued and brought to AAF's sanctuary in Chengdu,

Sichuan. Animals Asia is currently building a bear sanctuary in

Vietnam.

 

• STOC

STOC comprises of the following members: the Singapore Chinese

Medicines & Health Products Merchant Association, the Singapore

Chinese Druggists Association, the Singapore Chinese Drug Importers

& Exporters Guild, The Medicine Manufacturing Association of

Singapore and the Singapore Chinese Medical Union. STOC aims to

protect the common benefits and welfare in the Chinese medicine

trade, jointly develop the trade and work closely

with the authorities in the organizing, regulating, and upgrading of

the Chinese Medicinal products sold in the market.

 

• World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)

The undercover investigation is funded by WSPA which is recognised

by the United Nations and works to raise the standards of animal

welfare throughout the world in partnership with more than 707

member societies in over 144 countries. Through its campaigns,

education, training and animal rescue initiatives, WSPA seeks to

ensure that the principles of animal welfare are universally

understood and respected, and protected by effectively enforced

legislation.