Indonesia’s animal-loving public rallied outside the House of Representatives in the capital Jakarta today to deliver a letter calling on the government to introduce a nationwide ban on the cruel dog and cat meat trades that see more than a million companion animals stolen, trafficked and brutally killed each year. They endure grueling journeys to supply demand hotspots, many dying on the way from heatstroke, dehydration, disease or injuries inflicted during capture and transport. Those who survive are taken to makeshift slaughterhouses and markets where they are bludgeoned and killed in full view of other dogs and cats.
More than 30 stars from the world of acting, fashion and music―including Billie Eilish, Charlize Theron, Clint Eastwood, Kim Basinger, Courteney Cox, Ricky Gervais, Andie McDowell, Jeff Bridges and Zooey Deschanel―have called on President Joko Widodo to end Indonesia’s brutal dog and cat meat trades following the rescue of desperate animals from one of the country’s most notorious markets, Tomohon Extreme Market.
Jakarta has become the 21st jurisdiction in Indonesia to ban the dog and cat meat trades. The move comes in response to an intensive campaign by DMFI, exposing the severe animal cruelty and risks to human health from zoonotic diseases such as rabies.