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Bern Area Pet Bear Moved to Sanctuary

By Greg Bebermeyer

12/17/2014

( Submitted by HSUS)

(KNZA )--Authorities say the owner of a pet bear recently removed from a Bern area residence will not face any charges for keeping the animal in violation of state law.

The Humane Society of the United States, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and Veterinary staff from the Kansas City Zoo assisted in providing care and moving Justice the bear on December 6th to the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Texas.

Midge Grinstead, Kansas state director for the Humane Society of the United States, says Justice was originally purchased from a safari park in Springfield, Mo. at just two weeks of age. Justice was living in his owner’s home, but was then relegated to an outdoor kennel as he became too much to handle.

Grinstead said they are grateful for the team effort in rescuing Justice and providing him a better life. She said bears and other dangerous wild animals should not be kept in people’s homes or in backyards. Grinstead said this case is a perfect example that the average person is not properly equipped to own and care for these animals.

Kansas has prohibited the private ownership of bears and big cats since 2006. Justice was purchased in 2013 in violation of the law. Officials say the owner will not face criminal charges due to his cooperation. Kansas still allows primates, wolves and other dangerous animals to be kept as private pets.

( Information submitted by Humane Society of the United States )

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