Jakarta's move to ban dog meat draws howls of protest from fans

Experts warn of rabies risk; about 8,000 dogs are slaughtered to be cooked every month

- Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja Indonesia Correspondent

A Jakarta restaurant that sells dog meat has notched up more sales of it in the past year owing to fewer competitors offering such dishes, but its owner, Ms Lastri, is not happy.

Indonesia's largest city is on the verge of banning the trade and consumption of dog meat to prevent the spread of rabies and promote animal welfare.

Ms Lastri, who goes by one name, takes issue with the planned ban, arguing that it has been mooted merely because dogs are viewed as domesticated animals.

"We get the meat from wild dogs our supplier sources from the forest of Sukabumi (in West Java province), not from domesticated dogs. I, myself, keep dogs as pets, but never use (my dogs) as food ingredients." she said.

Those who consume the meat are also upset at the impending ban because they claim there are health benefits from eating it, including boosting the blood platelet levels of dengue patients.

Mr Lexi Tobing, a waiter at a food stall, said: "The government is deciding on the ban based on the voices of small groups of people, meaning they are the minority. But they are vocal. This is not fair."

He told The Straits Times that the meat is tasty and has health benefits.

But even before the ban is implemented, dog meat is already less easily found at restaurants and food stalls in Jakarta than before because of rising health concerns and social pressures.

Animal rights groups appear to have successfully influenced public opinion and pressured the local authorities beyond Jakarta to restrict, discourage or ban the sale and serving of dog meat, experts say.

Also, younger people in cities like Jakarta have been increasingly viewing dogs as pets rather than food, leading to a decline in demand.