Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Animals Asia - Fighting For The Ethical Treatment Of Moon Bears

Animals Asia was founded in 1998 with two distinct missions - to protect animals in Asia from cruelty and to foster a new era of compassion and respect for animals everywhere. The foundation was created by Jill Robinson as a response to the need for a bear rescue center in Chengdu, China. This need developed after the Sichuan Forestry Department signed a pledge with the China Wildlife Conservation Association to release 500 bears from bear bile farms with the worst conditions. This was the first time an agency of the Chinese government had come to an official agreement with an animal welfare organization. It proved to be the ideal time to begin addressing the issue of the horrendous practice of bear farming in China.

Since its inception, the foundation has developed three flagship programmes: End Bear Farming, Cat and Dog Welfare and Action against Cruelty. Under these programmes, there are many campaigns, including the Moon Bear Rescue campaign.

MOON BEAR RESCUE

The campaign is focused on bringing an end to the barbaric practice of bear farming and the bile trade in general. On bear farms, Asiatic black bears are caged at farms in horrific conditions. Bile is extracted from the bear's gallbladder so it can be used in traditional Chinese medicines. However, the process is extremely excruciating for the bears and oftentimes leads to life-threatening infections and even the loss of limbs. Fortunately, Animals Asia has signed agreements with both the Chinese and Vietnamese governments to rescue 700 bears from the torture of bile farms. Right now, the foundation has around 250 rescued bears at both their China and Vietnam sanctuaries. Over the years, they have rescued a total of 350 bears. They've also closed down 43 Chinese farms and seen 20 of mainland China's 31 provinces become bear farm-free.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7381888