Footage of a grizzly bear performing for fans before a Russian third division football match has been blasted by animal rights activists.
Known as 'Tim', the circus bear handed the referee the ball and stood on his hind legs whilst clapping to cheering fans before the match between Mashuk-KMV and Angusht in Pyatigorsk.
Elisa Allen, director of animal welfare charity Peta, was left outraged over the incident.
"In addition to being inhumane and utterly out of touch, using a bear as a captive servant to deliver a football is downright dangerous.
"The bear is the symbol of Russia, so we hope the country's people will show some compassion and national pride and stop abusing them. Common decency should compel the league to pull this stunt."
Brian da Cal, country director of Four Paws UK also voiced his displeasure at the scenes.
"While some supposedly find this depressing scene 'entertaining' there is nothing at all light-hearted about this kind of abuse.
"Bears are wild animals and as such have very specific and complex needs.
"Being chained up, muzzled and forced to perform unnatural acts in front of large, rowdy crowds of people causes tremendous stress and can have an untold impact on these animals, both psychological and physical."
FIFA has denied claims by Angusht that the bear was to be used in the opening ceremony of the World Cup to be hosted by Russia in June.
Newshub.
