30 million dogs killed annually for human consumption, says Humane Society International-India

The killing of dogs has been a major concern across the globe especially in Asia. The canines are killed for meat across the countries. Claiming that around 30 million dogs are killed annually for meat across Asia, an animal rights body today launched a campaign to end the “brutal and illegal” trade.

Humane Society International-India released a video showing gruesome killings of canines for meat in Nagaland and also shot off a letter to Chief Minister T R Zeliang urging his government to implement the existing ban on dog meat consumption.

The body said trade of dogs for human consumption is prevalent in Nagaland and a few other north-eastern states despite the practice being illegal. It is estimated that more than 30,000 stray and stolen pets are smuggled every year and sold in live markets and beaten to death with wooden clubs.

“HSI/India has written to the Nagaland Chief Minister to urge the government to implement the existing ban on dog meat consumption, patrol trade routes and shut down markets. “The organisation launched an online petition calling on the authorities to enforce the dog meat ban immediately,” it said.

The “disturbing” footage taken during visits to the local markets of Kohima and Dimapur show that the laws are being blatantly flouted with dogs packed in sacks with just their heads poking out, their mouth either stitched closed or bound tight with rope to keep them quiet, it said.

During transport and display in the markets, the animals are denied movement, food or water, before finally being clubbed to death, it said. “In launching our campaign today, HSI-India is determined to end this trade, starting with working with the authorities to see that the ban is properly enforced,” HSI-India Director N G Jayasimha said.

The campaign plans to work closely with the government and law enforcement agencies in Assam and other neighbouring states of Nagaland to shut down the trade and spare the lives of thousands of dogs. The body said across Asia an estimated 30 million dogs are killed annually for human consumption, with the trade most prevalent in China, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

The body said it is encouraged by reports that the Nagaland government has sent a letter to the municipal affairs department regarding a policy to stop the capture and slaughter of dogs.