Sometimes I think the human race is a lost cause! X(
The following is an article from WSPA on the iDonate.com.au (surveys for charities) site that simultaneously disgusted me, and made me cheer!
Major blow for world’s cruellest animal bloodsport
Wed 17 Jan 2007
The notoriously violent bloodsport of bear baiting – where fighting dogs are pitted against a restrained and defenceless bear – moved one step closer to ending after three baiting bears were confiscated last week at a baiting event in Pakistan. The event was part of a week-long rural village fair in the Sindh province in Pakistan. Field officers from WSPA member society Wildlife Society of Pakistan (WSP) were able to gain access to the event and film it despite the great dangers involved. Fakhar Abbas of WSP then showed provincial wildlife authorities who raided the event two days later. The confiscated baiting bears are now at the Kund Park bear sanctuary in Pakistan’s North-West Frontier Province. “This is fantastic news for what is widely considered one of the most sickening forms of animal cruelty in the world today,” said WSPA Australia spokesperson Jordan Burke. “If we can continue these raids, and particularly the confiscations, we have a real chance of finally stopping this appalling practice within the next few years.” With their teeth removed, baiting bears are tied to a post and set-upon by fighting dogs. Bears are always injured, while dogs can be maimed or crushed as the bear fights for his life. The bears sustain more injuries than dogs and usually suffer ripped noses and mouths. Most bears are permanently scarred, but the killing of either animal is avoided, as they are too valuable. Most fights are held at local fairs and attract a crowd of up to 2000 spectators. In Pakistan, bear baiting is officially illegal, as is capturing or keeping bears. Yet the bloodsport still occurs regularly, particularly in the Punjab and Sindh provinces. Four bear baiting events were stopped in the Punjab province in October thanks to cooperation between the WSPA, WSP and local wildlife authorities. “Confiscations of bears combined with education programs is the best way we can ensure no more bears are subjected to this extreme abuse,” Mr Burke said. “While opposition to the fights is increasing, there is still much work to be done to save bears caught up in this brutal pastime.” 
