The consumption of dog meat is a centuries-old practice in many parts of the globe. While it is frowned upon in most Western countries and banned in many others, dog meat is regarded as a staple food in Asian and African countries, similar to how beef and poultry are in Western cultures.
Although many Westerners find the consumption of house pets, such as dogs and cats, to be abhorrent, it is important to note that other cultures and religions may hold the same disdain for commonly consumed Western meats.
Dog meat has played a substantial role in numerous cultures throughout history and continues to do so. Here is a list of countries where eating dogs is still legal, as per the World Population Review.
Asia
The Humane Society International estimates that as many as 30 million dogs are killed annually for human consumption in Asia, the continent where the consumption of dog flesh is most abundant. This estimate encompasses numerous household pets that are frequently unlawfully removed from their residences and transported to be slaughtered.
The consumption of dog meat is most prevalent in the following countries: China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Nagaland region of India. However, it is not considered to be popular in these regions.
China is the world's largest consumer of dog meat, with an estimated 10 million dogs (and four million cats) consumed annually.
Africa
Dog meat is predominately consumed for ritual and cultural purposes in roughly 20 African countries. This includes Burkino Faso, Ghana, Liberia, the Central African Republic, certain parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
African nations consider dog meat a luxury that families look forward to eating. Some of these countries claim that the consumption of dogs can boost one's libido or sex drive.
Europe
In Europe, the consumption of dog meat is generally considered taboo. However, as of 2014, approximately 3 percent of individuals in Switzerland (particularly in rural areas) consume dog meat in the form of traditional sausages or jerky. The sale of dog meat is prohibited by UK law; however, the killing and consumption of dog flesh are permissible provided that the animal is owned by the consumer or killer and is killed in a humane manner.
The Americas
While it is widely frowned upon, the United States does not have a national law that prohibits the consumption of dogs and cats. However, the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018, signed by then-President Donald Trump, prohibited the "transportation, delivery, possession, and slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption," thereby dismantling any non-clandestine businesses that were designed around the practice. The act does make an exception for Native American rituals, as certain tribes have either a history or tradition of consuming dog flesh.
Dog meat is also legal in Canada but it must come from a licensed dog meat processing plant which don't appear to exist. Mexico has banned eating dogs.
Oceania
The slaughter and consumption of both cats and canines are explicitly prohibited in only one of Australia's 16 states and territories - South Australia. Nevertheless, the sale of cat and dog meat is illegal throughout the entire nation.
Although many Westerners find the consumption of house pets, such as dogs and cats, to be abhorrent, it is important to note that other cultures and religions may hold the same disdain for commonly consumed Western meats.
Dog meat has played a substantial role in numerous cultures throughout history and continues to do so. Here is a list of countries where eating dogs is still legal, as per the World Population Review.
Asia
The Humane Society International estimates that as many as 30 million dogs are killed annually for human consumption in Asia, the continent where the consumption of dog flesh is most abundant. This estimate encompasses numerous household pets that are frequently unlawfully removed from their residences and transported to be slaughtered.
The consumption of dog meat is most prevalent in the following countries: China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Nagaland region of India. However, it is not considered to be popular in these regions.
China is the world's largest consumer of dog meat, with an estimated 10 million dogs (and four million cats) consumed annually.
Africa
Dog meat is predominately consumed for ritual and cultural purposes in roughly 20 African countries. This includes Burkino Faso, Ghana, Liberia, the Central African Republic, certain parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
African nations consider dog meat a luxury that families look forward to eating. Some of these countries claim that the consumption of dogs can boost one's libido or sex drive.
Europe
In Europe, the consumption of dog meat is generally considered taboo. However, as of 2014, approximately 3 percent of individuals in Switzerland (particularly in rural areas) consume dog meat in the form of traditional sausages or jerky. The sale of dog meat is prohibited by UK law; however, the killing and consumption of dog flesh are permissible provided that the animal is owned by the consumer or killer and is killed in a humane manner.
The Americas
While it is widely frowned upon, the United States does not have a national law that prohibits the consumption of dogs and cats. However, the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018, signed by then-President Donald Trump, prohibited the "transportation, delivery, possession, and slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption," thereby dismantling any non-clandestine businesses that were designed around the practice. The act does make an exception for Native American rituals, as certain tribes have either a history or tradition of consuming dog flesh.
Dog meat is also legal in Canada but it must come from a licensed dog meat processing plant which don't appear to exist. Mexico has banned eating dogs.
Oceania
The slaughter and consumption of both cats and canines are explicitly prohibited in only one of Australia's 16 states and territories - South Australia. Nevertheless, the sale of cat and dog meat is illegal throughout the entire nation.
