In the wake of the attack on five bears in the Beijing Zoo by a college student, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has urged China to constitute a law on protection of the welfare and security of animals in captivity.

Dr. Zhang Li, executive China representative of the IFAW, said that without a specific law, people intending to harm animals in zoos will find ways to circumvent the law.

China has a law on wildlife and the criminal law stipulates that offense causing injury to rare species of animals are punishable with a jail term of from one to 10 years or above and a fine.

Dr. Zhang said a law on animal welfare is needed in China to arouse public awareness.

The five Beijing bears who had a mixture of sulfuric acid poured over them by a 21-year-old university senior are all having difficulty in seeing, eating and walking.

The IFAW is in contact with the Beijing Zoo and is ready to offer assistance to treat the injured bears, according to Zhang.

(People's Daily February 27, 2002)