Target: Đỗ Đức Hùng, Director, Hanoi Department of Public Security, Hanoi, Vietnam
Goal: Ensure that every individual responsible for confining moon bears in restrictive cages for years and operating an unlicensed bear bile facility is prosecuted to the fullest extent of Vietnamese law.
According to investigators, three Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, spent years inside rusted iron enclosures so cramped that they were unable to climb, forage, or engage in the natural behaviors essential to their physical and psychological well-being. By the time inspectors reached the property, veterinarians observed severe muscle atrophy, broken teeth believed to have resulted from constant chewing on metal bars, and repetitive behaviors commonly associated with prolonged psychological trauma.
According to publicly reported information, Vietnam’s Forest Protection Department, working alongside conservation specialists, initiated an administrative inquiry after inspecting a rural property outside Hanoi. Investigators suspect the premises operated as an unlicensed bear bile extraction site supplying the illicit traditional medicine market. Authorities allege the bears were confined in restrictive cages for years while being deprived of adequate space and appropriate environmental enrichment. Officials have since filed a formal complaint seeking to close the property and transfer the surviving bears to a national wildlife sanctuary, where they can begin rehabilitation under expert care. Prosecutors are currently compiling veterinary reports, forensic evidence, and investigative findings.
If the evidence ultimately supports these allegations, this case illustrates the devastating consequences of treating wild animals as commercial commodities instead of living beings. Moon bears belong in protected habitats, not confined in rusting cages for years to support illegal wildlife markets. Meaningful legal accountability would help protect other bears from enduring similar suffering.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Hùng,
The discovery of three moon bears apparently confined for years inside restrictive metal cages has deeply concerned wildlife advocates around the world. Investigators reportedly found animals suffering from severe physical deterioration and behavioral distress while examining what authorities suspect was an illegal bear bile operation.
Your department now has the opportunity to pursue a complete and impartial investigation by carefully evaluating veterinary evidence, forensic findings, and witness testimony.
Please ensure that, if the evidence ultimately supports the allegations, every individual responsible is punished under the fullest provisions of Vietnamese law. Wildlife exploited for commercial gain deserves meaningful protection, and strong enforcement will help discourage similar operations in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Eric Kilby
