A 7-year-old black bear named Rocky has been rescued from illegal captivity and abuse in Pakistan and relocated to Islamabad for medical treatment, animal welfare group Four Paws said on Monday.
Rocky endured 35 brutal fights, where he was forced to battle against dogs, a cruel and illegal practice in Pakistan. After authorities intervened, he was moved to a temporary shelter, but the facility lacked the resources to care for him properly.
Officials later arranged for his transfer to Islamabad, where he could receive the urgent medical attention he desperately needed.
A Four Paws veterinary team traveled to Pakistan and performed surgery on Rocky. Veterinarian Amir Khalil, who led the operation, said the bear had suffered extensive injuries.
As part of the cruel fighting practice, all of Rocky’s teeth had been removed. Khalil and his team treated his wounds and removed his nose ring and the chain around his neck, which had been so tight it had already caused severe skin damage.
“We found the bear in a worrying condition, with bleeding injuries on his eyes, nose, ears, and back. The abuse he endured has left both physical and mental wounds. He is in a state of shock and constantly shaking,” Khalil said. “We took immediate measures to relieve his pain and treat his injuries.”
Bear-baiting: A cruel practice
Bear-baiting was a historical blood sport in which a chained bear was forced to fight against one or more dogs. Until the 19th century, it was commonly practiced in Great Britain, Sweden, India, Pakistan, and Mexico.
The fights caused severe physical and psychological trauma to the bears, often leaving them with broken teeth, pierced snouts, and removed claws.
Despite being illegal in Pakistan, bear fighting still continues in some areas. Animal welfare activists have long campaigned against it, calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws.
“We have seen firsthand the immense suffering bears endure for human entertainment, including bear-baiting and dancing,” said Josef Pfabigan, president of Four Paws. He welcomed the Pakistani government’s ongoing efforts to end these inhumane practices.
Dancing bears are another form of animal cruelty, where captive or bred bears are forced to perform tricks for entertainment. The training methods involve painful techniques, such as hot metal plates and metal rings placed through their sensitive noses and jaws, allowing owners to control the bears.
Pakistan struggles with captivity
Pakistan has been struggling with animal welfare issues, particularly in zoos and captivity.
- December 2024: Sonia, a 19-year-old elephant at Karachi Safari Park, died from a bacterial infection.
- April 2024: A Four Paws team helped treat eight rescued bears—formerly used for baiting and dancing—and supported local authorities in rescuing and relocating Boogie and Laila, two abused bears kept in chains.
- April 2023: Noor Jehan, a 17-year-old elephant, died at Karachi Zoo due to neglect and poor medical care.
- 2020: Kaavan, the “world’s loneliest elephant,” was relocated from Islamabad Zoo to a sanctuary in Cambodia.
The country continues to face serious challenges in improving the conditions of animals in captivity, but Four Paws remains hopeful that ongoing efforts will bring lasting change.
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