In the wake of the attack on five bears in the
Beijing
Zoo by a college student, the
International Fund for Animal
Welfare (IFAW) has urged China to constitute a law on
protection of the welfare and security of animals in captivity.
Dr. Zhang Li, executive China representative of the IFAW, said that
without a specific law, people intending to harm animals in zoos
will find ways to circumvent the law.
China has a law on wildlife and the criminal law stipulates that
offense causing injury to rare species of animals are punishable
with a jail term of from one to 10 years or above and a fine.
Dr. Zhang said a law on animal welfare is needed in China to arouse
public awareness.
The five Beijing bears who had a mixture of sulfuric acid poured
over them by a 21-year-old university senior are all having
difficulty in seeing, eating and walking.
The IFAW is in contact with the Beijing Zoo and is ready to offer
assistance to treat the injured bears, according to Zhang.
(
February 27, 2002)