In many cultures around the world, dogs are considered part of the family and inseparable companions. However, in other regions, they are perceived as livestock and their meat is part of the diet. Although this practice generates rejection in the West, in Asia and Africa, it is still part of ancestral traditions and rituals.
The consumption of dog meat is not new: it dates back thousands of years and still holds a central place in local cuisine in some countries. According to estimates, more than 30 million dogs are slaughtered worldwide each year for consumption.
China and Vietnam top the list of countries with the highest demand. In China, about 10 million dogs are slaughtered annually, while Vietnam reaches around 5 million, driven by medicinal beliefs and cultural customs. In South Korea, 1 million dogs are consumed each year, although a recent law that will come into effect in 2027 will completely ban this practice.
Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, or Liberia in Africa maintain rituals where dog meat is considered a symbol of unity or traditional medicine. In the Americas, although less frequent, isolated practices persist in indigenous communities or under legal loopholes in countries like Canada, Brazil, or Chile.
Some countries still maintain the consumption of dog meat.
Countries where it is still legal or common
Indonesia allows the consumption of dog meat, although the trend is towards banning it in more cities. In India and Malaysia, it is also legal, while in Cambodia, it is estimated that between two and three million dogs are slaughtered each year. In Russia, in addition to being consumed, Saint Bernards are bred for export to China.
Europe, on the other hand, has stronger taboos, but there are exceptions. In Germany and Switzerland, slaughter is prohibited, although occasional consumption still occurs in rural areas, while in the United Kingdom, it is legal to consume meat from one’s own dog as long as the slaughter is justified for a “humane” purpose.
In Oceania, Australia prohibits the sale of dog and cat meat, although in most of its states there is no explicit ban on consumption. A similar situation occurs in Latin America, where countries like Brazil and Chile do not penalize eating dog meat, although they do penalize slaughter and sale.
Environmental Impact and Health Risks
Beyond the cultural debate, the consumption of dog meat has significant environmental consequences. Intensive breeding of animals, including dogs, generates greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water consumption, and deforestation for the production of balanced feed. This increases the ecological footprint in regions where there is already pressure on ecosystems.
Health risks are also considerable. Dogs raised in unsanitary conditions or captured on the streets can be carriers of diseases such as rabies, intestinal parasites, and zoonotic viruses that are easily transmitted to humans. In countries like Liberia, dog meat was linked to Ebola outbreaks due to poor slaughter and handling conditions.
The World Health Organization warned that these practices increase the risk of the emergence of new zoonoses. Contact with fluids during slaughter and the absence of health controls exacerbate dangers for entire communities. Additionally, the illegal transport of dogs between countries, as happens in Vietnam, enhances the spread of diseases on a large scale.
Dogs and cats for consumption
A Practice in Decline
Although the consumption of dog meat persists, the global trend points towards its decrease. International pressure, environmental and animal activism, along with the generational change in the perception of dogs as pets, have reduced the popularity of this consumption in several Asian countries.
The cultural shift around pets, combined with growing evidence of environmental and health damages, reinforces the idea that this practice is heading towards disappearance. However, its eradication will require not only laws but also sustainable alternatives that respect traditions without compromising health or the planet.
