Mistreated Bears Set Free In Turkey

After years of being trained to dance for paying crowds, a dozen brown bears were set free Saturday after being taught how to live in the wild.

They were among 27 bears that have been under treatment for a year for injuries suffered while in captivity.

One baby bear was found to be dependent on alcohol. The soles of the feet of some were burned, apparently with hot irons when they failed to dance during their initial training.

Bears moving on two feet in seeming harmony with tunes played by their owner is a favorite street show in poor neighborhoods of some Turkish cities.

Animal rights activists began a campaign last year to rescue bears from owners who mistreat them.