South Korea's Bear Bile Farming: A Step Towards Change

Controversial Practice Ends

South Korea is finally putting an end to its controversial bear bile farming industry. This widely criticized practice involves keeping bears in captivity to extract their bile, a substance used in traditional medicine.

New Regulations

• Ban starts January 1
• Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison for violators
• Revised animal rights protection law

Decline of Bear Bile Farming

• Significant decline over the past two decades
• Questions about medicinal effects
• Availability of cheaper alternatives
• Growing awareness of animal cruelty

Current Status

• 21 bears relocated to a government-run sanctuary in Jeolla province
• 199 bears still remain on 11 farms across the country

Compensation Disputes

• Farmers criticize the policy as economically disadvantageous
• Environment Ministry offers financial incentives
• Six-month grace period for existing farmers

Animal Rights Groups

• Praise government efforts
• Urge establishment of larger protection facilities
• Current sanctuary can hold up to 49 bears, but activists argue for a maximum of 30

Future Plans

• Second government facility delayed until 2027 due to flooding
• Critical issue: Finding adequate space for rescued bears

Quotes

"The country's commitment to improving the welfare of wild animals and fulfilling related responsibilities."

• Environment Minister Kim Sungwhan

"The lack of sufficient measures to protect the bears."

• Cheon JinKyung, head of Korea Animal Rights Advocates in Seoul