BEAR FARMS IN CHINA

Early day motion 1308, tabled 7 June 2004 by Robert Marshall-Andrews (Labour). Signed by 121 members.

That this House congratulates the Chinese Government and the Central Government Administration for Wildlife Protection on their progress towards ending the terrible practice of bile extraction from captive bears; notes that this practice involves the regular infliction of excruciating pain on bears kept permanently restricted in tiny cages which deny any movement and which result in crippling deformity and dementia; further notes that the medicinal properties of bear bile may now be replicated and improved by modern medicines; and urges Her Majesty's Government to take whatever measures it can to support the enlightened work of the Chinese authorities and charity associations such as Animals Asia Foundation who work for the end of this cruel farming practice and have, to date, succeeded in the rescuing and rehabilitation of 137 bears that have been released.

Signatures by party: Labour 59, Conservative 26, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, UUP 3, DUP 2, Independent Conservative 1.