The Tomohon Extreme Market in the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi was once a popular tourist attraction. This live animal market featured a variety of animals, including pythons, bats, and rats. In 2018, the market faced international condemnation when videos surfaced of dogs and cats being brutally beaten and blowtorched alive. Animal activists, including Lola Webber from Humane Society International, called for major travel companies to stop promoting the market. Companies like Tripadvisor quickly complied with the request.
However, banning the dog and cat meat trade, which was a long-held tradition among the local Minahasa people, proved to be more difficult. Many believed that changing the practices in North Sulawesi and Tomohon was impossible. But they were proven wrong when Tomohon’s mayor, Caroll Senduk, signed a law banning dog and cat meat trading at the market. Meat traders at the market also signed an agreement to permanently stop selling, slaughtering, and trafficking dogs and cats. This was considered a huge victory for animal activists who have been working to end cruelty in the market.
Since the ban went into effect, 25 dogs and three cats have been rescued and taken to a sanctuary for quarantine. The goal is to find them permanent homes, either in Indonesia or internationally. This victory not only protects the animals but also reduces the risk of disease transmission associated with the live animal markets. The Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition, alongside government officials, market management, meat traders, and the public, is now working to expand these efforts to other provinces where dog meat is consumed.
Although the ban on dog and cat meat at the Tomohon market is a positive step, there are still challenges to address in the trade. One issue is the increase in stray animals, which sometimes leads to inhumane practices. To combat this, the coalition is supporting programs focused on spaying, neutering, and vaccinating dogs and cats throughout Indonesia. The hope is to use the success in Tomohon as an example to influence change in other areas where dog meat is consumed.
Poor governance is identified as a major obstacle in ending the dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia. There is a lack of law enforcement and government checks on the trade. Animal rights advocates emphasize the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to combat this issue. It’s important to note that the sale of dog meat is illegal in many other parts of Asia, including Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. However, it continues to exist in countries like China, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Rahul Sehgal from the Soi Dog Foundation sheds light on the ongoing dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam. Despite online petitions and public outcry, the trade remains prevalent due to cultural, superstitious, and medicinal beliefs. Sehgal emphasizes the lack of scientific evidence supporting these beliefs and calls for increased awareness and action to address the issue.
While Tomohon Extreme Market was once marketed as a tourist attraction, the ban on dog and cat meat may attract more travelers to North Sulawesi. Negative media attention surrounding the market’s practices deterred tourists, both international and local, who were disturbed by the brutality involved. The ban offers hope for a more ethical and compassionate approach to tourism in the region.