Dog Meat Trade Busted in Ilocos Sur, Exposing Health Dangers

We must speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.

A meat trader in Ilocos Sur has finally been caught after three relentless years. The mission has been long and difficult, but the authorities’ commitment never wavered.

The 54-year-old suspect, Romel Bartilome Aquino from Barangay Lira, San Juan, Ilocos Sur was arrested on November 7 for illegal dog meat trade during a buy-bust operation. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Animal Kingdom Foundation seized dog carcasses, cooked meat, and rescued a survivor dog.

Aquino admitted the crime by selling from duck meat to dog meat due to financial difficulties during the pandemic. Animal rights advocates emphasized the trauma animals suffer in situations like these. The fact that dogs are visibly scared and traumatized, often frozen in fear, even when being handled. One might say this could lead them to mistrust humans.

DOG MEAT HEALTH RISKS

Photo from the Animal Kingdom Foundation Official Facebook Page

The Animal Kingdom Foundation reportedly highlights the significant health risks for humans consuming dog meat, particularly the risk of contracting rabies. Illegalizing dog meat isn’t just about the safety of dogs, but also the safety of those who are eager to consume it. Rabies is a serious viral infection that can be transmitted through the consumption of infected meat, and in some cases, this risk remains even years after the meat is consumed.

There were reports that an undisclosed victim died from eating dog meat. Forensic analysis revealed that the cause of death was encephalitis which was triggered by rabies from the dog meat.

HOW HEARTLESS CAN PEOPLE BE?

Witnessing such cruelty is heartbreaking. Dogs deserve compassion and respect as sentient beings who experience pain, fear, and suffering. This ongoing mistreatment reflects poorly on our society’s values and underscores the urgent need for change. We must advocate for stricter laws and encourage individuals and communities to report these abuses.

While penalties for offenders may not yet be severe enough, they send a warning to those in the dog meat trade and others involved in animal cruelty: their inhumane practices are coming to an end.

UPDATE

Juana, the dog rescued from the dog meat trader, is now in good hands with the Animal Kingdom Foundation. If you would like to sponsor for Juana’s care, head over to their Facebook Page for the details.