As reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries on Monday, the province of Siem Reap in Cambodia became the first province in the country to outlaw the sale and consumption of dog meat. The province was the first in the country to do so.
Specifically, according to a translation of the announcement, “since ancient times, dogs have been considered loyal pets by many people throughout the world, particularly by the Khmer people,” and that “dogs are extremely capable of protecting homes and farms, animals, and serving in military sectors.”
Dog trading and slaughter for meat have been carried out with utter disregard for the law in recent years, which is troubling and becoming more concerning, according to the research.
According to research and study conducted by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and Four Paws International, it has resulted in a decline in humanity’s values, which has resulted in an increase in rabies and the development of other transmitted illnesses that have an impact on public health.
Also forbidden is “any action involving the selling of dogs for slaughter,” which implies that “theft of dogs,” “trade-in dogs,” and “slaughtering of dogs” are all outlawed under the Animal Health and Production Law.
A statement issued by the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said, “The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries genuinely hopes that all traders and relevant stakeholders would adhere by this notice, which will become effective on the day it is published.”
According to the animal advocacy group FOUR PAWS, three million dogs are slaughtered for their meat in Cambodia each year, and this number is considered conservative. It has been shown that the city of Siem Reap, a renowned tourist destination in Cambodia, is a significant player in the trafficking of dog meat.
Dog meat trafficking in the region is “of substantial dimensions,” according to a news release from FOUR PAWS. The organization claims that the trade involves “about 7,000 dogs per month,” with the vast majority of them ending up in slaughterhouses where they are “drowned en masse.”
According to a FOUR PAWS market analysis, the violent trade has continued unabated until recently despite the fact that eating meat is a disputed habit among Cambodians, with less than 12 percent of the population regularly consuming the meat.
Dog meat trade prohibition, according to Dr. Katherine Polak, a veterinary expert who also serves as the head of FOUR PAWS Stray Animal Care in Southeast Asia, is “a big step forward” for the protection of animal rights.
In a press release, she said that “the historic decision by the Siem Reap authorities to outlaw the theft, trafficking, and death of dogs is a significant milestone for animal welfare in Cambodia and represents the current sentiment among Khmer people.” She added that Perhaps the city of Siem Reap will serve as a model for the rest of Cambodia, allowing the millions of dogs who already inhabit the area to have longer lives.
