Tackling the dog meat trade

Dog meat has become hugely popular in the Philippines, leading to the inhumane killing of hundreds of thousands of dogs. Thankfully, WSPA member society Network for Animals is helping to reverse this trend.

The consumption of dog meat is a long-standing cultural phenomenon in the Philippines. Traditionally associated with celebratory events and rituals of mourning, the practice has become increasing popular amongst mainstream consumers in recent years.

It is estimated that up to half a million dogs are consumed every year.

Appalling cruelty

The way in which dogs are collected and slaughtered is incredibly cruel. Traders round up dogs, both strays and pet animals, force tin cans over their muzzles and tie their front legs behind their backs.

The animals are then crammed into cages so tightly that they are unable to move, and left, often for days, without food or water. Many die in these cages from suffocation or heat stroke.

Upon reaching the slaughterhouses, live dogs are clubbed or have their throats cut and are then distributed to local wet markets.

Tougher penalties for traders

Despite the banning of commercial dog meat trading in 1998, the penalty, a nominal fine, was not stopping traders from breaking the law.

However, in early 2007, Network for Animals, along with other animal welfare stakeholders, managed to convince the Philippines Congress to implement new legislation that will dramatically increase penalties for convicted dog meat traders, with a minimum fine of 5,000 pesos (around US$100) per dog and a minimum jail sentence of one year.

Speaking about their success, Andrew Plumbly, Programme Director at Network for Animals, said:
“This new legislation is a real milestone for animal welfare and will have a profoundly positive effect on hundreds of thousands of dogs in the Philippines.”

Network for Animals
Website: www.networkforanimals.org
Email: andrew@networkforanimals.org