Economic losses could end a cruel animal trade in Korea
Jan 18, 2008
© WSPA
Not only is the practice of farming bears for their bile cruel and unnecessary as synthetic alternatives exist, but new statistics released today reveal that nine out of ten bear farmers no longer see their business as being profitable long term.
The findings in a survey carried out by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and Green Korea United (GKU), back both groups’ calls for an end to the practice still carried out in South Korea, Vietnam and China.
Chris Gee , WSPA “End Bear Farming” manager, said: “ In Korea it costs an average of £783 a year or £7,830 to keep a bear captive in its lifetime. When sold for their bile these bears cost an average of £5603 – its simple mathematics that with losses on average of £2,000 there can be no future for this cruel and unnecessary practice.”
He added: “In South Korea bears are kept in small farms and restricted to small cages until they are slaughtered at ten years old for their bile and other bear parts. Given this and the proven economic losses, alternative ethical and economic forms of livelihood should be sought by all those involved with the support and advice of their governments.”
Nearly three quarters of respondents surveyed think that there will be further financial losses rather than improvement to their bear farming income in the future. As a result of this bleak outlook, more than 88% have already started supplementing their income with alternative business practices.
In addition, 80% of respondents said that they would agree to abolish bear farming completely if the government agreed to compensate for their business losses.
Chris said: “We urge the Korean Government to follow the lead of Vietnam which two years ago committed to working with WSPA to phase out bear farming.”
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), with the support of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, is determined to end the practice of bear farming across Asia.
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