In a monumental step towards animal welfare and public safety, Tomohon Market in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, reached an agreement to protect animals from being subjected to brutal treatment and consumed by humans. The extreme market, known for its cruel practices, has officially banned the trade of dog and cat meat.
The ban not only puts an end to the horrific slaughtering of over 130,000 dogs annually, but it also dismantles the extensive network of dog and cat thieves and traders involved in long-distance transportation across Sulawesi.
The ban came into effect after the Humane Society International (HSI) and Animal Friends Manado Indonesia collaborated to rescue 29 dogs and three cats from a slaughterhouse, leading to the closure of the remaining six dog and cat traders.
HSI’s documentation of the market’s cruelty, which showcased the animals cowering in transport cages and being beaten to death, played a vital role in bringing this issue to light. The ban signifies a major victory for animal welfare, as dogs and cats will no longer face abuse and burning in the Tomohon market.
HSI hopes that this historic agreement will serve as a model for other markets and leaders to follow, eventually leading to the eradication of the dog and cat meat trade nationwide.
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Beyond its immediate impact on Tomohon, HSI believes that this ban will exert pressure on the government to address the significant public health risks associated with the dog and cat meat trade across Indonesia. The trade’s cross-provincial nature, involving the transportation of animals to densely populated areas, contributes to the spread of the deadly rabies virus.
The agreement received further reinforcement when Tomohon Mayor Caroll Senduk signed an ordinance, ensuring that the trade in dog and cat meat would never resurface in the city. This move was done in response to the significant risk of rabies transmission and the aim to eradicate one of the most inhumane practices in the region.
By putting an end to such practices, the ban takes a significant step towards safeguarding public health and setting a precedent for other regions to prioritize animal welfare and public safety.
Source : CNN Indonesia
