Jakarta Bans Dog and Cat Meat Trade to Curb Rabies

In a significant move to address public health and animal welfare concerns, the authorities in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, are set to introduce a new law banning the consumption and trade of dog and cat meat. The announcement was made earlier this month by Jakarta governor Pramono Anung, who stated that the law will make it illegal to sell or serve dog and cat meat in the city.

This decision has been widely welcomed by animal rights activists, as it aims to curb the spread of rabies and improve the treatment of animals. According to reports, the demand for dog meat, known locally as "Scooby Doo," has declined in recent years due to the younger generation's preference for keeping dogs as pets. However, an estimated 9,500 dogs are still slaughtered per month in Jakarta for consumption, with almost 97% of these dogs being transported illegally from the rabies-endemic West Java province.

Veterinarian Merry Ferdinandez, the chief operating officer of the Jakarta Animal Aid Network, has emphasized the urgency of this issue, stating that only 11 of Indonesia's 38 provinces are currently free of rabies cases. If the trade in dog meat is not curbed, the country may lose all of its rabies-free provinces.

The move by the Jakarta authorities is expected to have a significant impact, as the capital city is seen as a bellwether for the rest of the country. Experts believe that other regions in Indonesia will likely follow suit and replicate the ban, as Jakarta's decision carries significant influence.