Robert Marshall-Andrews

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Chinese Embassy in London support Animals Asia's work to end bear farming in China

Jill Robinson Founder of Animals Asia Foundation and Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews' meeting with the Chinese Embassy in London to discuss the further closure of bear farms in China was a resounding success.

Chinese Embassy representative, Mr Lu Wenxiang stated "The Chinese Government is not encouraging bear farming today. We are actively seeking alternatives to bear bile and we look forward to the day when we see an end to the bear farming industry". Mr Lu went on to say "By working in partnership we can end bear farming in China", he then thanked Jill Robinson and the Animals Asia team for working constructively within China to help end this barbaric practice.

During the meeting Bob Marshall-Andrews re-iterated the support that he has galvanised within the House of Commons for an end to bear farming. He said "Our motion within the house, to see an end to bear farming, has already been backed by over 100 MP's from all political parties; and we will do all that is necessary to help Animals Asia and the Chinese Government to end this barbaric practice and to see the release of the 7000 bears currently on bear farms across the country."

Photograph at the Embassy, left to right, Dave Neale, Jill Robinson, Mr Lu Wenxiang and Bob Marshall-Andrews.

Mr Lu Wenxiang accepted a 7000 signature petition from Animals Asia calling for an escalation in the closure of all bear farms before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Each signature representing one bear trapped in the most deplorable conditions on a bear farm today. Animals Asia also presented the embassy with a framed picture of 'Andrew' the first bear to be rescued in China, and copies of letters of support for an end to bear farming which have been flooding in from Animal Asia supporters across the UK, including letters from children as young as 6 years old.

Jill Robinson said "We are delighted with the outcome of today's meeting, the Chinese embassy are fully supportive of our work to end this barbaric practice, and this message will further encourage our government partners in China to close more farms, release more bears into our care, and work towards ending bear farming in China forever."

Full details about the work of Animals Asia Foundation are available on its brand new website www.animalsasia.org.