The aim of this blog is to raise awareness for sustainability issues and encourage individuals to take responsibility. I try to keep posts uplifting and optimistic, however, there are some topics which simply cannot be approached in this way. Today’s post is one of those topics.
Across Asia, 30 million dogs are killed each year for human consumption, for reference, the dog population in the UK is 13 million. The dog meat trade is unregulated, illegal, and often operated by criminal gangs. Every aspect of this process involves extreme animal cruelty. Wild dogs and pets are taken, crammed into small cages where they are unable to move, and endure week-long journeys with no food or water. From here, the dogs are brutally killed through various methods including electrocution, bludgeoning and drowing.
Animals are integral to Earth’s ecosystems, which are imperative for our survival, therefore making sure we treat animals with respect should be a priority for sustainable development. However, in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations, there is no mention of animal cruelty. This is the second aspect I have outlined on this blog which is absent from these goals, mental health action being the first. Animal cruelty is the mistreatment of animals, including but not limited to neglect, violence, mental distress, and improper confinement. The illegal dog trade exceeds all these aspects of animal cruelty, along with many farming industries and cosmetic testing. Whilst there are charities who advocate and take action to stop these trades, government intervention is ultimately needed to truly save these dogs. For example, South Korea has recently passed a law which bans the dog meat trade from 2027. Consumption of dog meat itself is not illegal, but the action of slaughtering and selling dog meat has been criminalised. This aligns with laws implemented in countries like the U.S. and UK. Vietnam, Indonesia and China are among the countries which are yet to ban to dog meat trade.
Dogs have become a huge part of our families, from helping those with disabilities live their lives to the fullest to providing support for people suffering from mental illness. Donate through Humane Society International to help save these dogs from unbearable conditions.
Not My Monkey 