Bears Need Our Help! Pass the Bear Protection Act of 2008
Each year wild bears are killed so that their parts can be sold in Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM) shops in the United States and internationally. In a recent undercover investigation, the World Society for the Protection of Animals found that the trade in intact gallbladders had actually increased since their previous investigation in 2000.
Unfortunately, state laws pertaining to the trade in bear parts are inconsistent and, in some cases, non-existent. The solution is clear: a unifying federal law is the only viable solution for bears! U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) recently introduced H.R. 5534, the Bear Protection Act of 2008, to protect North American bears. The Act specifically bans the import, export and interstate trade of all bear parts and products, while closing loopholes in existing state laws.
Dear Representative [Name],
I was disturbed to learn that our North American bears are being killed for the illegal trade in bear parts and products used in Traditional Asian Medicine here and abroad. Already under threat, these beautiful animals deserve a unifying federal law that protects them from loopholes in state laws. I urge you to co-sponsor and pass H.R. 5534, the Bear Protection Act of 2008, to end this cruel and unnecessary trade for good.
North American bears poached for this cruel and unnecessary trade are frequently killed only for their gallbladders or paws. These American treasures, renowned the world over for their beauty and grace, deserve a federal law that protects them.
Thank you for supporting the Bear Protection Act of 2008. Together, we can protect these magnificent animals and end this cruel and unnecessary trade for good.
