Indonesia Among Countries Still Consuming Dog Meat
Light House Denver – Consuming dog meat is still relatively common in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia, and Indonesia is included in this list. Despite dogs being known as one of humans’ favorite pets due to their loyalty and intelligence, the tradition of consuming dog meat continues in some countries.
Humane Society International reports that approximately 30 million dogs are killed each year for human consumption. People illegally steal most of the dogs from homes and take them to slaughterhouses. Dog meat consumption is most prevalent in Asia, with countries such as China, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Nagaland region of India still practicing it.
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China holds the record for the largest consumer of dog meat in the world, with an estimated 10 million dogs consumed annually. Eating dog meat has been a tradition in China for thousands of years. It is still found in many regions of the country today. One of the most famous areas in the West is Yulin, known for its annual Lychee and Dog Meat Festival. The event attracts widespread protests due to the controversy surrounding the consumption of dog meat.
However, in 2020, Shenzhen and Zhuhai became the first cities in mainland China to ban the consumption of dog and cat meat. The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has also reclassified dogs and cats from livestock to companion animals.
Vietnam ranks second after China in terms of dog meat consumption. The Vietnamese use nearly all parts of the dog for stews, soups, or even grilling with skewers. Many people believe that dog meat has medicinal properties and brings good fortune.
In South Korea, they typically slaughter dogs by electrocution. In other countries, people usually beat, hang, or less commonly, boil dogs alive. The Philippines also consumes dog meat, often used in traditional dishes such as asocena.
However, some countries have already banned the consumption of dog meat. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to prohibit the consumption of both dog and cat meat in 2017, with offenders facing heavy fines, public humiliation, and the possibility of imprisonment. Similarly, Hong Kong has made the slaughter of dogs and cats, as well as the sale of their meat, illegal for decades.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the trade and slaughter of dog meat pose serious health risks. These include trichinellosis, cholera, and rabies. These warnings add to the importance of reducing or eliminating this practice.
In Indonesia, although not at the top of the list, dog meat consumption remains relatively significant. Around five percent of the population still consumes dog meat. The trade of dog meat in Indonesia is considered highly dangerous due to its involvement with unsanitary slaughtering practices. This raises concerns about the potential spread of rabies.
Moreover, the locations and methods of slaughtering and selling dog meat often fail to meet sanitation standards, increasing health risks for consumers. Given these concerns, there is a growing call for raising public awareness about the dangers of consuming dog meat. It is also crucial to emphasize the importance of protecting animal welfare.
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