In Pakistan, there is this "sport" called Bear Baiting. This bloody event, however, is not a sport; it is animal cruelty.
A bear, with teeth removed and claws blunted, is tethered to a post in the middle of an arena type clearing and attacked by dogs. Once things look to be turning fatal, the dogs are pulled back and the exhausted and battered bear is allowed to rest but only to have the dogs attack again. These poor bears are sometimes made to fight multiple times a day. Then, they go back into their confinement where they receive pathetic medical attention and inadequate care and diet.
Bear Baiting came to my attention a few days ago and ever since then, it's been haunting me. These bears can never just be let back into the wild; they'd die. They've been so severely injured and disfigured that they wouldn't be able to defend themselves -- what would they really be able to do if they came across a healthy bear with teeth and claws intact? Exactly.
So, the amazing people at Bricks For Bears, through the WSPA have decided to act. Since 2001, they have rescued seven bears and are able to prevent 80% of the fights from happening in the first place. This is huge. They have built a sanctuary for these bears where they will be safe and cared for properly.
They still need our help, though. They need our support in order to rescue the remaining bears, put an end to this brutal activity, and educate people on the situation and provide alternative livelihoods for the bear owners in Pakistan. For the price of $10, you can buy a brick and make a difference. Even if you are unable to give financially, lend your voice. Spread the word on this savage "sport" and, with it, awareness on this issue. Go to the Bricks For Bears site. Poke around. Educate yourself. The Bricks For Bears site is Australian based and I currently have an e-mail out to them inquiring on how to buy a brick without an Australian address. Until they answer me, I don't know how we can buy bricks. I encourage you, however, to go to the WSPA website and make a donation through them or any of their affiliates. Check out Animals Matter and sign up, today; it's free! I did.
