- 7-year-old black bear endured 35 illegal fighting matches
- Suffered fractured jaw, tooth loss, and bite wounds from dogs
- Four Paws International team performed critical surgical intervention
- Highlights Pakistan's ongoing struggles with illegal animal fighting
In a landmark rescue operation, Rocky the Asiatic black bear has become a symbol of both cruelty and compassion in Pakistan. Authorities discovered the seven-year-old animal in Punjab province, where handlers forced him into three dozen combat situations against dogs. Veterinarians from global welfare group Four Paws intervened, removing 18-inch chains that had fused with his nasal cartilage during Sunday's four-hour surgery.
Dr. Amir Khalil, lead veterinarian on the case, revealed shocking details: Rocky's jaw fracture suggests repeated blunt force trauma. The complete absence of molars means he's likely endured years of malnutrition.Wildlife experts note that 68% of rescued fighting bears in South Asia show similar dental degradation patterns, a statistic previously unreported in regional conservation literature.
Pakistan's Animal Welfare Board reports a 22% increase in illegal animal fighting reports since 2022, despite federal bans. Economic desperation drives the practice, with handlers earning up to ₨50,000 ($180) per match in rural areas. This underground economy persists despite successful precedents like the 2020 relocation of Himalayan brown bears Kaavan and Suzie to Jordan's Al Ma'wa sanctuary.
The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board now faces scrutiny after Rocky's initial transfer to a substandard holding facility. This case exposes critical gaps in our rehabilitation infrastructure,stated board member Dr. Rina Khan. Her team recently implemented biometric tracking for 14 rescued leopards, a system proposed for future bear rescues.
Four Paws estimates six-month recovery timeline for Rocky, including cognitive behavioral therapy to address animal combat trauma. The organization's 2023 Fur & Freedom Initiative has successfully rehabilitated 47 abused carnivores across Asia, with 89% showing reduced stress biomarkers within eight weeks of sanctuary placement.
This rescue coincides with Pakistan's revised Animal Welfare Act, which mandates GPS tracking for all captive wildlife by 2025. The legislation follows last year's controversial death of elephant Noor Jehan at Karachi Safari Park, where inadequate facilities caused fatal spinal complications. Animal rights groups urge international pressure to combat zoological neglect, noting that Pakistan ranks 142nd in World Animal Protection's 2023 index.