Indonesia taking action against pet cruelty

The city of Tomohon on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi is sending a clear signal against pet cruelty. In July, it prohibited the sale of dog and cat meat here, where hitherto the animals were offered as a delicacy alongside other animals such as bats, snakes, rats and monkeys. An added factor were the headlines generated by Tomohon Extreme Market for its brutal methods of slaughter. Animal welfare campaigners have documented the gruesome practices and have warned of the risk to public health from the consumption of dog and cat meat.

The ban imposed by the mayor of Tomohon has brought the notorious market to a halt practically overnight. Around 20 other cities have likewise issued directives or regulations to date prohibiting the trade in these animals for human consumption.