Time for a global end in the trade of bear bile- Bowles

3.50.00pm GMT Wed 28th Jan 2009

Sharon Bowles has welcomed the UK's tough action against the multi-million dollar trade of bear bile, and is calling on the Government to continue international pressure.

This week the Prime Minister responded to an online petition against the cruel practice of bear bile extraction in many Asian countries. Bear bile is highly lucrative, with a single gram fetching up to $20 on the global market. The trade is thought to be worth $100 million a year in China alone.

However leading animal rights organisations, including the charity Animals Asia, have condemned the practice.

Sharon, who has been running a campaign on her website and participated in a 'Moon Bear Fun Day' with Animals Asia, commented:

"The Government have done all that is legally possible to ban the trade of bear bile within the UK. This is a great success and highlights the hard work of organisations like Animals Asia.

"However, this vile practice has not been banned in many Asian countries and reports indicate that the trade is still widespread.

"The UK government and the European Parliament must continue to put pressure on these authorities to bring a global end to the trade of bear bile."

Dave Neale, the UK Director of Animals Asia, added:

"In China, bear farming continues to incarcerate thousands of bears in despicable conditions.

"Animals Asia are working with the people and the government of China to close down bear farms, rescue the bears to our China based sanctuary and promote the many herbal and synthetic alternatives available to consumers.

"If we can stop the demand for bear bile we can ultimately free the bears and end this barbaric practice once and for all".