Bear rescued from abuse, illegal captivity
The first day of the holy month of Ramazan brought much-awaited relief for a 7-year-old Asian bear who was kept in illegal captivity and used for baiting (for fighting with trained dogs) in Punjab's city Jauharabad (Khushab).
The nonstop rescue operationfrom Vienna to Lahore; from Lahore to Jauharabad and then from Jauharabad to Islamabadended with safe landing of the poor creature at the animal rescue & rehabilitation centre (previously Murghazar Zoo) of Islamabad.
According to details, the rapid response team from global animal welfare organisation Four Paws, under the lead of Dr Amir Khalil (a well-known name now in Pakistan in animal rescue) launched a prompt rescue and relocation mission on the request of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Punjab Wildlife Department and relocated the poor creature to Islamabad's animal rescue centre.
The male bear named 'Rocky' by the team was earlier confiscated by the authorities from illegal private custody after he had been subjected to severe abuse as a baiting bear. He was abused in 35 fights so far it was informed and his condition was pretty badseverely injured with several bleeding wounds on his face and back. Giving a background of the mission, the Four Paws spokesperson said they were requested by the IMWB to support with the relocation of the bear after he had been confiscated by the authorities on 27 February, 2025.
His relocation was ordered by the Magistrate's Court and supported by the Assistant Director Wildlife for Punjab Region since the facility he was confiscated to could not provide the care he needed. Video material provided to Four Paws highlighted the abusive nature of bear fighting, as it showed the visibly weakened bear being attacked aggressively by dogs during a recent fight.
At the animal rescue centre, Dr Amir Khalil and Dr Marina Ivanova removed the nose pin, washed Rocky's wounds and dis-infected him.
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