The measure includes a ban on ‘live animals, meat or derivatives, raw or processed’ and establishes an adaptation period of six months before coming into force
The city hall of capital of announced a ban on the sale and consumption of beef cats and bats as a way to reduce the risk of transmission of — a measure considered an advance for the animal cause, even if motivated exclusively by public health reasons.
Governor Pramono Anung informed that he has already signed the rule that prevents trade and any activity involving animals identified as possible transmitters of the disease when intended for human consumption. The regulation, concluded on Monday (24), establishes an adaptation period of six months before it fully comes into force. According to the text obtained by AFP, anyone who fails to comply with the new rule could receive anything from warnings to having their commercial license revoked.
The measure includes a ban on “live animals, meat or derivatives, raw or processed”, putting an end to a market that has been denounced for years by animal protection entities for promoting severe mistreatment and violent captures.
Although it was adopted with a focus on controlling rabies — still responsible for dozens of deaths annually in the country — its effects go beyond the health field. For organizations like Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI), the initiative represents an important step towards more ethical standards compatible with international animal welfare guidelines.
Indonesia remains among the few nations where the consumption of dog meat and It is not yet banned at the national level, despite increasing regional restrictions. In some areas, the habit persists for cultural reasons or the belief that it is an affordable source of protein.
Around 9,500 dogs killed per month
Approximately 9,500 stray dogs were transported monthly in Jakarta to be euthanized in 2022, according to recent calculations. However, there is no data on the current consumption of dog meat in the national territory. Most of the animals slaughtered in Jakarta come from West Java, where rabies is endemic, according to a calculation by the Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition.
“It is a concrete example and a true commitment on the part of the authorities in Jakarta, a city that promotes animal welfare”, celebrated Merry Ferdinandez, member of the coalition, after the media announcement.
According to a survey carried out in 2021 by DMFI, 93% of Indonesians are against the dog meat trade and want it to be abolished. Another justification for the ban is that Jakarta has not been affected by rabies since 2004 and is part of the 11 Indonesian provinces where the disease has been eradicated.
Rising price
Indonesian legislation on animal feeding and farming does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of dog and cat meat, however, according to a 2018 directive from the Ministry of Agriculture, it is not considered a food.
In Semarang, where this trade was banned, in 2022, a truck transporting more than 200 dogs destined for slaughter was intercepted and five people were detained. In Jakarta, tightened control by the authorities forced traders to sell dog meat only to a select and trustworthy clientele, which increased its price.
Restaurants that openly had dog meat dishes no longer do, and their owners now refuse to mention this trade. According to Sunggul, before the ban came into force, “buying dog meat was like looking for drugs”, due to the scarcity. No precise plan has been established as to what will be the fate of the unsold animals.
*With AFP
