Title: Victory for Animal Advocates as Tomohon Market in Indonesia Ends Dog and Cat Meat Trade
In a landmark development, the Tomohon Extreme Market on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has officially put an end to the slaughter and trade of dog and cat meat, marking a significant victory for animal welfare activists and celebrities who have long campaigned against this cruel practice. The Humane Society International (HSI) has confirmed that the Tomohon market is now the first in Indonesia to become dog and cat meat-free.
The market gained attention for all the wrong reasons when distressing images surfaced, exposing the horrifying treatment of live dogs and cats being bludgeoned and blow-torched. These images sparked global outrage and prompted an intensified effort to end the brutal trade.
The Regional Secretary of Tomohon, Edwin Roring, announced the permanent cessation of the slaughter and trade, reassuring concerned individuals that all remaining live dogs and cats will be rescued and relocated to sanctuaries. Roring expressed hope that the city would become completely free from the dog and cat meat trade, emphasizing the importance of consuming hygienic animal food sources, including pork, beef, and chicken.
To enforce this ban, law enforcement officers will be deployed to monitor markets and ensure that no dog or cat meat is being sold within the city. This move signifies a significant shift in public opinion towards the treatment of animals and reflects growing awareness of the health risks associated with consuming dog and cat meat, such as the potential spread of rabies to humans.
The Tomohon Extreme Market, previously listed as a tourist attraction on TripAdvisor, was not only known for selling dog and cat meat but also for offering carcasses of wild and protected species. Its closure represents a vital step in addressing the country’s reputation concerning the animal trade and the protection of endangered species.
The campaign to end the trade and consumption of live dogs for human consumption in Indonesia has gained momentum with the efforts of HSI and various Indonesian groups under the banner of Dog Meat Free Indonesia. Footage captured by campaigners at markets in North Sulawesi province in 2018 showcased the brutal treatment of dogs, igniting global sympathy.
International figures such as Cameron Diaz, Ellen DeGeneres, Simon Cowell, and Ricky Gervais added their voices to the cause, urging President Joko Widodo to intervene and close the markets that tarnished the country’s image.
In response to mounting pressure, Indonesia’s central government issued a regulation stating that dog meat is not considered food, resulting in formal bans across multiple regions, including the Karanganyar district in Central Java and Jakarta.
While eating dog and cat meat is a deeply ingrained tradition for many within the majority Christian population of North Sulawesi province, the slaughterhouse owner, Melki Pongo, who has supplied the market for over three decades, expressed disappointment but promised to replace dog and cat meat with pork.
While the banning of dog and cat meat at the infamous Tomohon market is a significant milestone, Indonesia still faces challenges in eradicating the consumption of these animals. Approximately 7% of Indonesians, mostly in Christian-majority regions such as North Sulawesi, North Sumatra, and East Nusa Tenggara provinces, still consume dog meat.
However, there is hope for further progress, as several Asian countries and territories, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have already banned the dog meat trade and consumption.
The closure of the Tomohon market sets an important precedent and represents a significant victory for animal advocates, marking a step forward in the global campaign to end the trade and consumption of dogs and cats as food. With ongoing efforts, it is anticipated that more regions and countries will follow suit, promoting compassion towards all animals and upholding international standards of animal welfare.
