Shrewsbury resident helps rescue 'dancing bears'
By Melissa Muntz Contributing Writer

Shrewsbury - Getting a haircut in Shrewsbur y thi s weekend will not only improve your appearance: it will also improve the quality of life for mistreated animals halfway across the world. International Animal Rescue (IAR) U.S. has teamed up with a local salon to help raise funds for the expansion of a bear sanctuary in India that houses rescued dancing bears.

The ancient tradition of showcasing dancing sloth bears in India was out- lawed in the 1970s when the bears were placed on the endangered species list, and although it's illegal to kill, capture or sell the animals, more than 600 bears are currently dancing on the streets in India today.

According to IAR, more than 100 cubs are illegally captured every year and are forced into performing. Their teeth and claws are removed, rendering them unable to defend themselves against their captors and unable to survive in the wild.

Shrewsbury native Laurence Van Atten is the director of IAR's U.S. office, and said she is hoping the event at Shampoo Salon in Shrewsbury Saturday July 21 will open people's eyes to the hidden tortures these animals suffer every day, and find them a safe home.

"Our aim is to raise enough money to rescue one bear - $1,000," Van Atten said prior to the event.

Shampoo Salon will host the "Bhair-a-Thon" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 21 and will donate 25 percent of every hair service to IAR.

The event will also include an appearance by Jackie Brush from WSRS, harp playing, Indian henna tattoos, manicures, chair massage, a chance to purchase Laurence Van Atten's framed photographs from India and jewelry by Sleeping Bear Co., as well as IAR merchandise.

Dr. Monica Mansfield will be signing her new book, "The Black Panties: Tales of Animal Mischief and Veterinary Intrigue" at the event from 3 to 5 p.m. Appointments are not necessary for people who would like to contribute.

Van Atten said she's hoping the effects of the "Bhair-a-thon" last longer than the hairstyles themselves.

The Shrewsbury IAR office is the only one in the country, and the plight of these bears is one Van Atten said she would have never learned of herself had she not spent three months in India at the Agra bear sanctuary, one of three sanctuaries for rescued bears in India that IAR is funding, in 2006.

"We have rescued nearly 400 bears since the end of 2002 and estimate that, with continuing support from the public, we can end this cruel practice by 2010," she said.

Van Atten said people who may not be in need of a haircut can still help improve the quality of life for these animals. She encouraged people to talk to friends, family members, media and legislators about the problem to give people the knowledge needed to bring about a change for the remaining dancing bears.

To date, more than 390 bears have been rescued and are now cared for at several facilities in India funded by IAR and managed by the Indian charity Wildlife SOS.