On Tuesday in Bahawalpur The Punjab Wildlife Department rescued two bears from Bear Baiting during a raid. A man identified as Allahyar illegally kept the bears at his temporary residence in Yazman has been arrested.
According to the Wildlife Deputy Director Zahid Ali, The wildlife department had received information about a bear being kept in captivity in the area after which a team was sent for a survey.
After a Couple of days the team was informed of the appearance of a bear in Yazman and later after the raid, two bears were discovered in the cage.
According to Assistant Director Muhammad Abrar A case has been filed against Allahyar for violating sections 11 (animals found dead or killed or caught unlawfully), 12 (certificate of lawful possession) and 21 (penalties) of the wildlife act.
The Defendant was released after the approval of his bail plea against a sum of Rs 20,000 in Yazman Court.
Moreover, The wildlife department officials told the court that the cabinet passed a law two months ago in which such licences were declared illegal and unvalid.
Since according to the Allahyar’s Lawyer, Haji Tahir the owner of the bear had a licence that allowed him to hold bears captive.
Last month, the department had rescued two bears from Chishtian and Bahawalnagar. Two men were arrested and a fine of Rs10,000 was imposed on each of them.
The two rescued bears have been moved to the Bahawalpur zoo temporarily. The department is, however, making arrangements for them to be moved to a suitable place.
Bear Baiting will not be allowed in the region as the Punjab wildlife department announced In January, however the cruel and violent activity was banned in Pakistan in 1980 but it continues till today.
