New law a major step forward in protecting bears in Pakistan

The new legislation is a major step forward in protecting bears - making it illegal to keep and use bears for baiting, dancing and begging, as well as in circuses. 

This follows years of lobbying with our local partners, to move Pakistan towards a nationwide ban on the illegal practice of owning wild bears, and the work we continue to do to guide animal protection legislation across the country.

Emily Reeves, Director of Programs, World Animal Protection Asia Pacific, says:

“This new law sends out a clear message that the days of cruelly exploiting bears, for inhumane practices such as of bear baiting, are numbered.

“We thoroughly commend the Sindh Provincial Government for taking a positive step forward in protecting bears, after an alarming increase in bear baiting events in the province in recent times. We now hope to see other provinces follow suit and wildlife protection laws progress nationwide.

“The use of bears for entertainment is not only cruel, but has a major impact on wild bear numbers. The ongoing commitment by authorities in Pakistan, will help to bring us closer to keeping bears in the wild, where they belong.”

The introduction of new laws, comes on the back of increased enforcement action by local wildlife departments, and the police, at bear baiting events in Pakistan in the last 12 months: resulting in bears being confiscated, and bear owners and event organisers arrested.

World Animal Protection continues to work with local partner Bioresource Research Centre (BRC), to move wildlife officials and communities in bear baiting hotspots, gather and share intelligence, strengthen legislation and enforcement, and increase public awareness - to end bear baiting in Pakistan for good. Learn more about our work rescuing bears from the cruel sport of bear baiting, and please consider giving a gift today to help with this vital work.