Filipinos Are Still Eating Dogs

Recently a man was caught involved in the dog meat trade was caught while hauling away 5 dogs set to be slaughtered.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/24/5-dogs-for-slaughter-rescued-from-vendor-in-nueva-ecija/

Police rescued five dogs about to be sold and slaughtered by dog meat lovers in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Lawmen arrested a vendor transporting the emaciated canines in a checkpoint in Barangay Sinasanjan.

Suspect Ruel Bote of Purok Kahel, Barangay Concepcion, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija was onboard a “kolong-kolong” (motorcycle with trailer) when he was flagged down by Penaranda policemen manning a checkpoint in Barangay Sinasajan.

An inspection of his transportation yielded the five animals stuffed in three sacks.

Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Cesar Pasiwen has directed his men to strictly enforce the law protecting dogs and other animals considered pets and not livestock.

“We keep on reminding the public that they can be penalized once abuses are committed on their pets or to any other animals,” he added.

Bote is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10631 or the Animal Welfare Act of 2017.

This is not the first man charged with trading in illegal dog meat. Back in August 12 dogs were rescued from a dog meat trader. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/841803/12-dogs-rescued-suspected-dog-meat-trader-nabbed-in-bulacan/story/

A man allegedly involved in the illegal dog meat trade was arrested in Bulacan, according to a report on “Saksi”.

Identified as Hernando Polintan, authorities apprehended the suspect during an entrapment operation in the province.

Polintan admitted to selling dog meat for P300 up to P350 each.

He is now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bulacan and will be facing charges of violating Republic Act No. 8485 or the “Animal Welfare Act”.

The twelve dogs that were found placed in sacks were rescued during the operation. They will be transferred to the Animal Kingdom Foundation rescue center in Capaz, Tarlac where they will undergo treatment and rehabilitation.

Who is eating dog meat? In Baguio "special" customers are served the delicacy.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180135

The city veterinary office is cracking down on eateries serving dog meat to “special” customers after animal welfare advocates asked for the local government’s help against the illegal meat trade. 

“There is no commercial slaughtering of dogs for meat in Baguio,” said Dr. Silardo Bested in a text message on Friday, adding that based on apprehensions made, the dog meats are sourced in the lowlands, outside the city. 

He said dog meat is not among the food allowed under the safety food standards. As such, selling dog meat at the city market and restaurants, including the satellite markets in the barangays, is prohibited. 

“However, there are a few restaurants that secretly offer dog meat to selected customers who like eating dog meat. We are constantly monitoring this,” Bested said, as he assured the public that "we are acting on this.”

The official said a restaurant along Marcos Highway was caught by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) serving dog meat dishes to customers.

“We will strengthen our monitoring and will file charges for violation of the animal welfare law and recommend the closure of their business,” the veterinarian said. 

Bested said the non-profit animal welfare non-government organization Animal Kingdom Foundation sought the help of the city government to help stop the illegal trade and serving of dog meat whether surreptitiously or not to also discourage dog traders from slaughtering the dogs and transporting them to the city.

Slaughtering dogs for food has been banned since 1998 but oddly enough there is a loophole in the law. One can still slaughter and eat dogs as long as it is for religious purposes. 

https://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8485.htm

The killing of any animal other than cattle pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses, deer and crocodiles is likewise hereby declared unlawful except in the following instances: 

(1) When it is done as part of the religious rituals of an established religion or sect or a ritual required by tribal or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural communities; however, leaders shall keep records in cooperation with the Committee on Animal Welfare;

Imagine eating dogs as part of a religious ritual. Imagine worshipping god by eating a dog. Despite the practice being outlawed dogs will continue to be slaughtered for food as long as the demand remains. And clearly there are Filipinos out there who get a craving for man's best friend.