Bear Baiting

the practice of setting mastiffs to fight with captive bears. The custom was once prevalent in England, and afforded great amusement, both to rustics and those of high degree; but it was a matter of life or death for the bear. The sport was forbidden by Parliament in 1853. One of Macaulay's most enjoyable quips at the expense of the Puritans is found in discussing bear-baiting. "The Puritans hated it, not because it gave pain to the bear, but because it gave pleasure to the spectators." The real reason for objection, of course, was that they knew the sport brutalized the spectators. The Puritans were the first modern legislators to insist on humane treatment of all dumb animals.