Jakarta authorities plan to ban the sale of dog and cat meat.

The governor of Indonesia's capital, Pramodjo Anung Wibowo, announced plans to ban the sale of dog and cat meat for human consumption. The decision was announced after a meeting with representatives of the animal rights organization Dog.MEAT Free Indonesia (DMFI), writes Antara.

The governor explained that this ban will be part of measures to curb the spread of rabies in the city. A special gubernatorial order will be issued to implement it, and if necessary, a regional regulation will be developed for consideration by the city council.

Wibowo emphasized that the legal basis for the ban is already provided by existing laws—No. 18 on food products and No. 41 on agriculture and animal health . "I hope Jakarta can lead by example in this initiative," the governor said.

DMFI representatives supported the initiative, noting that the dog meat trade in Jakarta has reached critical levels and is contributing to the spread of rabies. The organization's veterinarian, Mary Ferdinandes, called the situation "alarming" and requiring an immediate solution. If the ban is adopted, Jakarta will become the first region in Indonesia to officially ban the consumption of dog and cat meat.

Two years ago, an official ban on dog eating was introduced in South Korea. It applied to restaurants, as well as places where this product could be purchased and sold. In recent years, this practice has drawn criticism from the international community and young Koreans. The ban took effect on January 9, 2024 .

Violators will face penalties: breeding and killing dogs carries a three-year prison sentence or a 30 million won (approximately $21,000) fine. Selling, storing, and distributing dog meat, as well as operating restaurants, carries a two-year prison sentence or a 20 million won (approximately $13,900) fine. However, according to the law, penalties for these offenses will only begin in 2027. By then, all shops, farms, and restaurants serving dog meat  must register and gradually cease operations.

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