SINDH: Sindh Wildlife Management Board (SWMB) has traced down an Asian black bear illegally owned by a nomad family in Sanghar’s Tando Adam.
On a social media post, the department said, “The transfer of the bear from the custody of the family has been delayed due to resistance from the female members.” “Negotiations are underway to provide them with an alternative livelihood, the officials said.
the help of @sindhpolicedmc. Owing to resistance of female members of the family, taking of possession has been delayed. Negotiation with family is underway. Wildlife Department #GoS offers an alternate livelihood by providing cargo motorcycle to head of family. 3/4
— SindhWildlife (@sindhwildlife) August 22, 2020
According to Wildlife officials, earlier this week, a TikTok video by a teenager showed the bear kept in dire conditions. Following this, the department launched a search operation to find the bear.
Wildlife Inspector Aijaz Noondhani found the bear in the unlawful possession of the nomad family.
Well-done Wildlife Inspector Mr. Aijaz Noondhani for finding the bear in illegal possession.
As per law possessing a bear is illegal. Apparently kept in the name of poverty is actually used for ‘Bear-baiting’. Sindh Wildlife Law prohibits & terms such act an act of illegal 1/4 pic.twitter.com/rEDRmp3cQN— SindhWildlife (@sindhwildlife) August 22, 2020
The bear was being used for bear-baiting (a sport involving the tormenting of bears with other animals, commonly dogs). The sport is a source of income for multiple gypsy families who also use the animal for begging.
Practices of bear-baiting, fighting and forced begging with animals are banned in the province under the Sindh Bear Baiting Control Rules, 2015. Perpetrators are punished with two years in prison and a fine of Rs100, 000.
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