Bearbaiting

Bearbaiting is a historical blood sport in which a bear is chained in a pit and attacked by dogs. The bear, typically tethered to a post or stake, would have several dogs released to bite and maul it. The spectacle served as entertainment for paying spectators, who often bet on the outcome. Bearbaiting occurred in various parts of Europe, especially in Britain, from the late Middle Ages into the early modern period, and it was commonly held in dedicated pits or venues.

During a bout, dogs would harass the bear from multiple directions while the animal attempted to fend them off with claws and teeth. The event could last for extended periods and frequently resulted in significant injury or death for the bear, and sometimes for the dogs as well. The practice was part of a broader tradition of animal baiting that drew public crowds and wagers.

Bearbaiting faced growing criticism over time. In Britain, reformers and changing attitudes toward animal welfare culminated in legislation such as the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835, which banned bearbaiting and other cruel practices. Enforcement of such laws contributed to the decline of bearbaiting, and the activity largely disappeared by the mid- to late 19th century in most jurisdictions.

Today, bearbaiting is regarded as a historical practice and is illegal in many countries. It is discussed primarily in historical contexts, as part of studies of past entertainment, sport, and evolving standards of animal welfare.