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		Move to stop bear bile farming in China Friday, 16th December 2005 Strasbourg – East Midlands Conservative MEP Roger Helmer has today welcomed the passing of a written declaration in the European Parliament that condemns the practice of bear farming in China and calls on the Chinese government to desist. In China, bears are frequently ‘milked’ for their bile using horrific methods of bile extraction that causes severe physical pain. The bile is then used in Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) despite the fact that there are over fifty herbal and synthetic products available that are cheaper and equally effective. Mr Helmer has lobbied actively in support of the declaration during the final days before it expired, when its success was still in doubt. The declaration calls for the Chinese Government to put a countrywide ban on breeding bears on farms. It also calls for a clear time-limit for the end of bear farming and for the Chinese Government to work with the AAF (Animals Asia Foundation) to accelerate the closure of all bear farms. Speaking from Strasbourg, Roger Helmer said: “I am appalled at the existence of this practice, which represents shocking and unnecessary cruelty to the animals involved. I have been inundated with correspondence from concerned constituents who are quite rightly outraged by this practice and I was therefore very pleased to sign and lobby for this written declaration which strikes a blow for animal welfare.” East Midlands Conservative MEP Chris Heaton-Harris also signed the declaration.

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