FOUR PAWS Leads Bear Rescue in Pakistan, Saving Abused Baiting Bear

Islamabad, 3 March 2025 – The global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS has successfully carried out a bear rescue in Pakistan, responding to an urgent request from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Punjab Wildlife Department. Their rapid response team arrived in Pakistan on 1 March to relocate a seven-year-old baiting bear named Rocky, who was confiscated by authorities after enduring years of abuse.

The bear was rescued from Sargodha district, where he had been illegally kept and subjected to bear baiting, a cruel practice in which bears are forced to fight trained dogs for entertainment. Reports indicate that Rocky had been forced into 35 fights, leaving him with multiple wounds and severe trauma. The FOUR PAWS veterinary team provided immediate medical care before relocating him to the IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Islamabad.

Joint Efforts to End Bear Baiting in Pakistan

The rescue operation was a joint effort between FOUR PAWS, IWMB, and the Punjab Wildlife Department, following a court decision ordering Rocky’s relocation. The Magistrate’s Court and the Assistant Director Wildlife for Punjab Region supported this move, as the initial confiscation facility was unable to provide the necessary care.

Video evidence presented to authorities revealed the brutality of bear baiting, showing Rocky being viciously attacked by dogs while visibly weakened. FOUR PAWS CEO and President Josef Pfabigan emphasized the organization’s commitment to ending such cruelty:

“Through our extensive experience in bear rescue in Pakistan and other countries, we have witnessed the immense suffering inflicted upon these animals. We commend the Pakistani government’s efforts to end bear baiting and dancing, and we stand ready to assist in creating sustainable, long-term solutions for wildlife protection.”

Rocky’s Recovery Plan

Rocky had all his teeth removed to prevent him from defending himself during fights. To ensure his recovery, the veterinary team has designed a specialized diet suited to his condition. The team also removed his nose ring and tight chain, which had already caused skin damage.

Dr. Amir Khalil, the lead FOUR PAWS veterinarian in Pakistan, described the bear’s condition:

“Rocky was found in a worrying state, with bleeding injuries on his eyes, nose, ears, and back. He was in shock, trembling constantly due to the severe physical and psychological trauma. We immediately treated his wounds and relocated him to a safe environment where he can recover.”

Ongoing Efforts Against Bear Baiting in Pakistan

The bear rescue in Pakistan is part of an ongoing mission to end bear baiting and bear dancing, both of which remain serious animal welfare concerns. In April 2024, FOUR PAWS assisted the IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre with the treatment of eight former baiting and dancing bears. They also played a key role in the rescue and relocation of two additional bears, Boogie and Laila, who had been kept in chains and severely abused.

Despite being illegal, bear baiting continues in some regions, particularly in Punjab, where it was originally introduced as a sport during British rule. Bears are captured as cubs, their claws removed, and their teeth extracted to make them defenseless against dogs. Many rescued bears struggle to survive in the wild due to starvation and physical disabilities.

Pakistani authorities have increased enforcement efforts since 2024, cracking down on illegal bear baiting and bear dancing operations. While the exact number of illegally kept bears remains uncertain, estimates suggest there are dozens to over a hundred still in captivity.

The bear rescue in Pakistan marks a significant step forward in the fight against animal cruelty. FOUR PAWS continues to work closely with Pakistani authorities to ensure stronger wildlife protection laws and the complete eradication of bear baiting.