Target: Trịnh Việt Hùng, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam
Goal: Release remaining bile bears from farm cages and end bear bile farming without further delay.
Bear bile extraction has been outlawed in Vietnam for more than two decades, yet many bears remain trapped in farm cages. Animal advocates state that some of these bears may have been held in the same tiny cages since 2005, living for years without the freedom, care and dignity they deserve.
Reports suggest around four bears may be dying every month as the remaining captive population ages. If the industry ends only because the final bears die in cages, that would represent a devastating failure of compassion. New polling shows that 87% of Vietnamese people support ending bear bile farming and releasing the final bears.
The government has taken important steps and entered agreements to end this practice. The next step must be decisive action. The remaining bears should be transferred to appropriate sanctuary care before more die in captivity.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Hùng,
Vietnam has made formal commitments to end bear bile farming, yet the final bears remain in farm cages. These animals are aging, many need medical care and advocates anticipate that several may die each month if urgent action is not taken.
Public opinion now appears firmly in favor of release. Polling shows that nearly nine out of ten Vietnamese people want bear bile farming to end and support immediate release of the last bears. This gives the government a clear mandate to act.
We respectfully urge your ministry to require the transfer of remaining bile bears to qualified sanctuaries, enforce existing restrictions and ensure that this industry ends through rescue, not through the deaths of animals still confined in cages.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Asian Animal Protection Network
