ISLAMABAD — A black bear named Rocky has been saved from a life of abuse in Pakistan and is now receiving medical attention in the capital, according to a local animal welfare organization.
The seven-year-old bear was held illegally in the Punjab province and forced to participate in numerous fights, specifically 35 times, before local officials intervened and moved him to a safer location. Unfortunately, the initial facility was unable to provide Rocky with the care he desperately needed, prompting a second relocation to Islamabad.
A team from the animal welfare organization Four Paws traveled to Pakistan to assist in his rescue. On Sunday, veterinarians operated on Rocky. Dr. Amir Khalil, a veterinarian involved in the operation, shared that they managed to remove Rocky’s chains and nose ring. Although he is physically stable, he has suffered significant injuries, including a fractured jaw and missing teeth, as well as several wounds on his ears from the fights.
Dr. Khalil emphasized that bear fighting is both cruel and illegal in Pakistan, yet it still occurs in certain areas of the country.
Pakistan faces ongoing challenges when it comes to animal welfare. Last December, for example, an elephant tragically died at a safari park shortly after being reunited with her sister. This is just one incident in a long history of issues regarding the treatment of animals in captivity in Pakistan.
Additionally, in 2020, two sick and severely neglected dancing Himalayan brown bears were rescued from a notorious zoo in Islamabad and relocated to a sanctuary in Jordan. The welfare of animals in Pakistan remains a pressing concern, highlighting the need for improved regulations and greater awareness about animal rights.
