Bear farming

At the British Veterinary Association (BVA) we believe the farming of bears for bile extraction violates the principles of animal welfare and is unacceptable, read our statement.

BVA statement on the farming of bears for bile

We, at the British Veterinary Association (BVA), strongly believe that the global community has a moral obligation to safeguard the welfare of all animals. When humans take the responsibility of keeping animals then that obligation and duty is of paramount importance.

We believe that the Five Freedoms

  • freedom from hunger and thirst
  • freedom from discomfort
  • freedom to express normal behaviour
  • freedom from fear and distress
  • freedom from pain, injury or disease

are, at all times, essential to the welfare of any animal kept in captivity or confinement.

We therefore believe that the farming of bears for bile extraction violates every principle of animal welfare and it is our view that this is unacceptable and that all members of the international community should strive to improve animal welfare and reduce unnecessary suffering. Furthermore, we understand that a synthetic alternative is available which obviates the need to extract bile from bears.

We strongly implore the Chinese Government to act to abolish this practice.

David Catlow, BVA President & Laura Bowen, Overseas Group Chairman. July 2007

Reference

The Five Freedoms - Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), 1993 Second Report on Priorities for Research and Development in Farm Animal Welfare, Defra, London