Not to downplay on the cruelty to bears, but how is this different then the way farmers treat calves for veal? Different uses yes, but just as cruel if not more so. Just because McDonalds has a happy clown for a spokesperson doesn't make the process they farm their meat any less cruel than other what you would consider "developed" countries. If bears didn't have the cute factor going for them I doubt any of you would care. If they were doing this to rats no one would give a $Hi# so you should all get off your high horses and look at whats happening at home before you go pointing fingers at others.
I'm no animal activist but I see hypocrisy in these arguments. The whining about the eating of dogs.... just because it's taboo in American culture doesn't make it any better then eating pork or beef. People in India hold cows sacred to their religion, everyone leaves them alone doesn't even think they should be kept as pets. Imagine how they feel seeing how high and mighty Americans treat calves for veal, or even regular cows for milk. Unless you've actually gone to a slaughterhouse and seen it happen you have NO IDEA. It isn't the cleanest of places and watching what happens to the animals can be pretty traumatizing if you're young (happened to me). I'm an American and I find it embarrasing that we are so quick to point the fingers to other countries and judge what they do all the while being just as guilty ourselves.
Bears sure are cute....