WSPA News Release: Economic losses could end a cruel animal trade in Korea

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For immediate release:

 

WORLD SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS

 

News Release

 

15th January 2008

 

Economic losses could end a cruel animal trade in Korea

 

Not only is the practice of farming bears for their bile cruel and

unnecessary as synthetic alternatives exist, but new statistics

released today reveal that nine out of ten bear farmers no longer see

their business as being profitable long term.

 

The findings in a survey carried out by the World Society for the

Protection of Animals (WSPA) and Green Korea United (GKU), back both

groups’ calls for an end to the practice still carried out in South

Korea, Vietnam and China.

 

Chris Gee , WSPA “End Bear Farming†manager, said: “ In Korea it costs

an average of £783 a year or £7,830 to keep a bear captive in its

lifetime. When sold for their bile these bears cost an average of

£5603 †" its simple mathematics that with losses on average of £2,000

there can be no future for this cruel and unnecessary practice.â€

 

He added: “In South Korea bears are kept in small farms and restricted

to small cages until they are slaughtered at ten years old for their

bile and other bear parts. Given this and the proven economic losses,

alternative ethical and economic forms of livelihood should be sought

by all those involved with the support and advice of their governments.â€

 

Nearly three quarters of respondents surveyed think that there will be

further financial losses rather than improvement to their bear farming

income in the future. As a result of this bleak outlook, more than 88%

have already started supplementing their income with alternative

business practices.

 

In addition, 80% of respondents said that they would agree to abolish

bear farming completely if the government agreed to compensate for

their business losses.

 

Chris said: “We urge the Korean Government to follow the lead of

Vietnam which two years ago committed to working with WSPA to phase

out bear farming.â€

 

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), with the

support of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, is determined to end the

practice of bear farming across Asia. To find out more visit

www.endbearfarming.org

 

Ends

 

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Cheryl

Lofts on 020 7680 6255 or 07801 386670 or email

cheryllofts

 

Notes to Editor

· The World Society for the Protection of Animals is the

world's largest alliance of humane societies and animal protection

organisations, representing over 800 member societies in more than 147

countries. Through direct field work, campaigning, legislative work,

education and training programmes, WSPA strives to create a world

where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty ends.

 

· 61 Korean Bear farmers took part in the research,

there are 99 bear farms in South Korea

 

· When asked what the difficulties in bear farming

business are, they responded:

37.7 per cent of respondents chose ‘government’s inconsistent policy’

24.6 per cent of bear farmers who are concerned about the feed cost

burden as the legal slaughter age of bear is 10 years old

19.7 per cent of them say because of the wildlife protection movement

it is difficult to reach the consumer market.