In a significant move for animal welfare in Pakistan, a black bear named Rocky was recently rescued from mistreatment in the eastern part of the country. The bear, who is 7 years old, was subjected to illegal captivity in Punjab province and forced into 35 bear fights, a cruel practice. Authorities intervened, emphasizing their commitment to providing Rocky with a safe environment.
Initially, Rocky was moved to a local facility. However, this sanctuary lacked the requisite resources for his rehabilitation, prompting officials to transfer him to the capital, Islamabad, where he could receive the necessary medical attention. A dedicated team from the international animal welfare organization, Four Paws, arrived in Pakistan to assist with the bear’s recovery.
In a recent medical intervention on Sunday, veterinarians addressed some of the enduring health issues facing Rocky. Dr. Amir Khalil from Four Paws reported on the successes of the surgery, noting, “We were able to release and cut the chain and nose ring.” Despite these steps forward, Khalil expressed concerns regarding Rocky’s well-being, highlighting a jaw fracture, the absence of teeth, and multiple ear wounds attributed to his past fighting experiences and dog attacks.
While bear fighting is illegal in Pakistan, these cruel practices persist in certain areas, underlining the need for ongoing advocacy and stringent enforcement of animal protection laws. Unfortunately, Rocky’s ordeal is not an isolated incident in Pakistan’s broader struggle with animal welfare.
Incidents involving captive elephants further underscore the ongoing challenges. Last December, an elephant tragically passed away in a safari park just weeks after a reunion with her sibling. This heartbreaking moment followed a series of misfortunes faced by elephants held in captivity across the nation. In 2020, in another distressing case, two Himalayan brown bears, formerly performing as “dancing bears” at a notorious zoo in Islamabad, were relocated to a sanctuary in Jordan due to severe neglect and health issues.
These events signal the urgent necessity for enhanced legal measures and public awareness in Pakistan to combat animal cruelty and protect the welfare of all animals.
