South Korea Bans Bear Farming For Expertration Of Its Empedu

JAKARTA - Bear farms are completely banned in South Korea from late January, with bear euthanasia for reasons such as pain or bile extraction now having to be carried out under the supervision of veterinarians.

In addition, feeding wild pigeons and other animals that are considered pests is prohibited, and violators will face fines.

The Ministry of Environment announced that the revision of the Wildlife Protection and Management Act will take effect, which implements this new regulation, quoted from The Korea Times on February 25.

Under revised laws, bear farms for any purpose, including bile extraction, are prohibited.

Currently raised bears can only be kept in designated facilities such as conservation agencies, bear protection centers, biological resources facilities, or zoos. The bear farm must comply by the end of the year.

Livestock are also required to immediately report any bear escape or related safety incidents, taking the necessary measures to contain them.

Humane euthanasia against bears raised is only permitted under strict conditions, such as illness that causes severe suffering or the risk of disease transmission to other animals.

Violations of this regulation will result in fines ranging from 1 million won for the first violation of up to 2 million won for the third offense.

Previously, bears were often slaughtered inhumanely, sometimes while still conscious, using muscle stabilizers or by strangulation.

Governments and local authorities can entrust bear protection facilities to organizations such as the National Park Service or the National Institute of Ecology.

Meanwhile, private operators must meet the requirements of facilities and staff and register with the ministry.

Critics argue that penalties for violating bear farms are much lighter than other animal protection laws.

Choi Tae-gyu, head of Project Moon Bear in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, said, "Killing animals painfully under the Animal Protection Act can be subject to heavier sentences, such as up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. This inconsistency needs to be addressed."

Choi also voiced concerns about bile taken from a euthanasian bear, recording the anesthesia used during euthanasia can contaminate bile, posing a safety risk for consumers. Project Moon Bear is dedicated to rescuing prisoner bears and building shelters in South Korea.

The amended law also discusses urban wildlife issues, expanding support for installing damage prevention facilities in urban areas affected by birds such as learns and wild birds.

The city government can now ban or limit the feeding of animals that are considered pests through local regulations.

Violators of this regulation face a fine of 200,000 won for the first offense, 500,000 won for the second offense, and 1 million won for the third offense.

"This amendment lays the groundwork for the complete cessation of bear farms. We will actively cooperate with stakeholders to ensure its implementation and work closely with local governments to minimize damage caused by wildlife such asUNs and pigeones," said Director of the Natural Conservation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment Kim Tae-oh.