In Namibia, there has historically been and are instances of human consumption of dog meat. However, this is by no means as to say that all Namibians nor any specific group of individuals partake in the practice of eating dog meat.

 

We believe it is crucial that SPCA Namibia and its Branches make our position clear on the matter of eating dogs. We do not support or condone the slaughter of dogs for human consumption. There are three core reasons for this position: 

1. Current methods of dog slaughters are inhumane, 

2. Dogs’ long-standing role as companion animals, and 

3. Public health risks associated with the consumption of eating dog meat.

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Current dog slaughter methods are inhumane

The current methods of dog slaughter, as reported to a number of SPCAs in Namibia, have been through beating, bludgeoning, and hanging of dogs to death. The Animal Protection Act of 1962 states that:

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“Offenses in respect of animals 

2. (1) Any person who - 

(a) cruelly overloads, overdrives, overrides, beats, kicks, goads, ill-treats, neglects, infuriates, terrifies, tortures or maims any animal; or

(b) confines, chains, tethers or secures any animal unnecessarily or under such conditions or in such a manner or position as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering or in any place which affords inadequate space, ventilation, light, protection or shelter from heat, cold or weather; or

(q) causes, procures or assists in the commission or omission of any of the aforesaid acts or, being the owner of any animal, permits the commission or omission of any such act; or

(r) by wantonly or unreasonably or negligently doing or omitting to do any act or causing or 

procuring the commission or omission of any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to 

any animal,”

 

All of the above actions are considered an offense under the Animal Protection Act of 1962, and should any dog slaughter or attempted dog slaughter be reported to the SPCA with sufficient evidence, the SPCA will take action and open up an animal cruelty case.
 

Dogs’ long-standing role as companion animals in human lives 

Dogs are often referred to as ‘man’s best friend’ and their roles in human lives take many shapes and forms; from pure companionship to service and emotional support, guarding, herding, search and rescue, and service within security and police efforts. The domestication of dogs is considered to have started well before any other animal domestication with its real domestication starting around 14,000 BC. Modern research shows that dogs have a unique ability to read social cues presented by humans, even superseding that of primates, setting dogs aside from many other domesticated species.
 

Public Health concerns associated with eating dog meat

Dogs are one of the only species consumed by humans that are omnivores and will eat other animals, animal remains, and animal, including human, excrement. This sets dogs aside from other land animals such as commonly consumed livestock.

 

The World Health Organization warns that the slaughter and consumption of dogs poses human health risks for zoonotic disease transmission, including trichinellosis (intestinal parasites, larvae, that sits in the muscles of the dogs), cholera, and rabies. Animal meat for human consumption at abattoirs undergo testing for various diseases. If people slaughter dogs and eat them without proper meat inspection, there is no telling what they might end up getting from it.
 

Conclusion

In summary, the SPCA Namibia and its Branches do not support or condone the slaughter of dogs for human consumption for the following core reasons:

 

1. Current methods of dog slaughters are inhumane, 

2. Dogs’ long-standing role as companion animals, and 

3. Public health risks associated with the consumption of eating dog meat.

 

We are committed to animal welfare and our constitutional objectives which include the promotion of the humane treatment of animals and the prevention of all acts of improper treatment of animals.

 

For anyone coming across the inhumane slaughter or the attempted inhumane slaughter of dogs or any other species, please feel free to report it to your nearest SPCA. We will continue to assist where we can.

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