A bill banning the trade of dog and cat meat is being developed in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, aimed at reducing cruelty towards animals and preventing the spread of rabies. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, more than 9,000 dogs are slaughtered in the city every month, which poses not only ethical issues but also sanitary risks. He stated that dog meat in Jakarta is not intended for human consumption.
The bill is expected to be prepared within a month and is being developed in cooperation with the Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition. Once the law is passed, the trade of dog and cat meat will be officially prohibited.
This decision is regarded as an important step towards preventing rabies and strengthening humane treatment of animals. Currently, Jakarta is one of the few regions recognized by the Ministry of Health as a "rabies-free zone."
Since dogs and cats are not recognized as livestock in Indonesia, there are no specific laws regulating the sale or slaughter of their meat. This has led to the continued practice of using dog and cat meat as food in some areas.
Some residents accept this as a tradition or a cheap source of protein. However, rights advocates strongly condemn the conditions where dogs are kept in cramped cages, beaten, and tortured before slaughter.
Every month, thousands of dogs are brought to Jakarta from West Java and Bali islands through secret routes. Veterinary experts warn that the rabies virus is mainly transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals.
Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle pain, and insomnia. Later, symptoms such as fear of water and light develop.
If treatment is not administered in time, rabies can lead to death. The new law will not only reduce cruelty towards animals but also play a crucial role in protecting human health.
