By Ava Bach
The dog meat trade is defined as "snatching animals from the streets, stealing pets from backyards or buying them from owners." The horrors of animal trafficking do not go unnoticed in countries like the United States. Pictures of anguished dogs are plastered across humane websites calling for action. But to what extent is this issue present in other countries?
Countries like China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam have a long history of consuming dog meat, which can be traced back as early as 500 BC in Ancient China. Until the 2000s, the idea that this meat offered medical benefits to its consumers was still prominent in many communities. However, the majority of people in these countries have never eaten dog meat; a 2016 opinion poll showed that 69.5 percent of Chinese citizens never tried it. But while the practice has diminished, many older communities may still find comfort in the tradition.
Eating dog meat may be limited to special occasions for some people, and may be a daily occurrence for others. While it was originally thought to have medicinal values, certain studies show that it may cause bodily harm. Dog meat might contain parasitic worms, like Toxocara canis, which can cause blindness. It may also result in myocarditis, or heart inflammation, as well as respiratory failure. In order to avoid contracting such parasites or diseases, it is important that the meat comes from a clean and healthy facility. However, most dogs are stolen or brought by their owners to meat processors, so quality can not be regulated. To keep dogs unconscious, poison is commonly used, and remains in the dog long after it has been slaughtered. This can cause serious damage to consumers
The traffickers’ main priority is money, so the dogs are kept in small cages, crowded together, and only given enough food for survival. When it’s time to slaughter, traffickers often violently force-feed the dogs by inserting a tube down their throats to increase their weight. Action is being taken by institutions like the Human Society, and the ASPCA.
However, the horrors of the dog meat trade are comparable to the US cattle business, where a lack of action results in continual mistreatment of these farm animals.
Some cows have never seen the light of day as they are kept in a virtually enclosed metal box to live out their short and miserable lives. The United States dairy industry in particular has never made it a priority to keep their animals happy and healthy, since milk will be produced either way. Milk cartons depict images of cattle roaming on beautiful, luscious fields, but in reality, many cows have never touched a blade of grass. Nine million cows used for dairy in the United States are enclosed either indoors or in dirt feedlots. Factory farms subject cows to cruel treatment like repeated impregnation, forced overproduction of milk, restrictive confinement, and poor nutrition.
People are deceived by false images on milk cartons and propaganda that factory farms put forth. But, institutions like the Animal Welfare Institute and World Animal Protection are trying to spread awareness about these horrors and inform the public on how they can make a difference.
So, how can you make a difference? Shopping cruelty-free is a must. While some mainstream cattle companies market themselves as humane, do your research and be sure what they're saying is true. Milk and eggs are two of the most commonly bought animal products, so it's important to know their source. Buying from local farms is a great alternative to large corporations. You can also actively fight cruel farms by using social media and spreading awareness. It's important that people know what is going into their bodies.
Works Cited
“5 Ways You Can Help Farm Animals.” Animal Welfare Institute, https://awionline.org/content/5-ways-you-can-help-farm-animals.
“Cows.” The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cows#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20dairy%20industry%20subjects,restrictive%20confinement%20and%20poor%20nutrition.
“Dog Meat Trade.” Humane Society International, 20 Dec. 2022, https://www.hsi.org/issues/dog-meat-trade/#:~:text=Dog%20and%20cat%20traders%20snatch,hanged%20in%20slaughterhouses%20or%20markets.
“Factory Farming: History, Effects and Sustainable Solutions.” Conserve Energy Future, 28 July 2022, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/factory-farming.php.
Hieu, Duong. “Why Dogs Are Not Meant to Be Eaten - Vnexpress International.” VnExpress International – Latest News, Business, Travel and Analysis from Vietnam, VnExpress International, 16 July 2019, https://e.vnexpress.net/news/perspectives/why-dogs-are-not-meant-to-be-eaten-3793264.html.