|
Project update
- January 2005
Jill Robinson, MBE, CEO, Animals Asia
Foundations, says "Bear Farmers misled Chinese Government"
Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) invited to
European Parliament Press conference to address statements made
by Chinese government concerning Bear Bile Farming
Strasbourg, January 17 2006 --- At a press
conference today, Jill Robinson, MBE, Founder and CEO of the Animals
Asia Foundation (AAF) addressed statements made by Wang Wei, Deputy
Director of the Chinese government Department of Wildlife Conservation,
concerning Bear Bile farming in China.
Wang Wei's statements were made at a press
conference in Beijing on the 12 January 2006 and followed the
passing of European Declaration requesting the Chinese government
stop the breeding of bears and accelerate the ending of bear farming.
Inter alia, Wang Wei said bear bile was irreplaceable and that
humane methods of bile extraction now existed.
Addressing these comments, Jill Robinson
said she believed the government had been misled by the farmers.
"As recently as November 2005 our investigations revealed
bears incarcerated in tiny wire cages, still wearing full metal
jackets, still implanted with catheters, and still suffering obscene
impacts to their health and welfare as a result of bile extraction
techniques."
Ms. Robinson stressed the support Animals
Asia has received from the Chinese government partners and said
she would not be working in China if it were not for the full
co-operation and backing of the Chinese government. "It is
a direct result of their help and intervention that over 40 farms
have been closed down, and 198 bears have been rescued into our
care."
She also contested assertions by bear farmers
that farming methods were humane. She said "The new, so-called
"humane" method of bile extraction causes profound suffering
and death to the bears - and we have more recent evidence that
newer methods are now in use of which the government is unaware."
Ms. Robinson went on to reveal evidence of a new method of bile
extraction unknown to the government - the 'fake free' drip method.
On synthetic and herbal alternatives to
bear bile, Ms. Robinson said "Bear bile can be easily and
cheaply replaced. Eminent Chinese doctors have already responded
to Thursday's briefing, with Professor Liu Zhengcai stating: "any
other Chinese medicines - such as chrysanthemums - or Western
medicines are more effective. Bear bile is not a magic cure."
Ms. Robinson also revealed bear breeding
was not as successful as farmers claim and "individuals have
admitted paying rural people to take cubs from the wild to supplement
the captive population on their farms, clearly conducting a practice
against China's current wildlife regulations."
Ms. Robinson accepted Wang Wei's offer for
groups to speak directly with his department and expressed her
hopes that she could meet with Wang Wei and give him the new evidence
about farming practices. She said "We feel qualified to bring
relevant information to Wang Wei's department which will clarify
the reality of this repugnant, unnecessary industry once and for
all."
Ms. Robinson also invited Wang Wei and his
Department to visit the AAF Sanctuary in Chengdu and requested
permission to visit the 68 regulated farms which the Government
has sanctioned.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
top of page
|
