Eating dogs and cats not a matter for debate
From my point of view, there shouldn't even be a debate about eating dogs or cats, but in the same breath, I eat cow, lamb and even ostrich meat – does that make me a cruel person?
On Tuesday, 26 April, I read an article that said lawmakers in Taiwan have announced that the eating of dogs and cats has been banned.
Following the news, the National Council of SPCAs added its voice of approval and said that the move was internationally hailed as progress for animal welfare.
In a recent statement, Jaco Pieterse from the NSPCA said, “This is a momentous and significant move. It is hoped that countries in the Far East where this practice remains, will follow this lead. Public outrage at the manner in which dogs and cats were kept, killed and eaten increased. International outrage and condemnation followed. A spate of horrendous cruelty cases led to calls for the improvement of animal welfare in Taiwan generally.”
It is said further that in terms of the new legislation by the Taiwanese parliament, the consumption, purchase or possession of dog and cat meat is outlawed. Offenders face a fine of up to 250 000 Taiwanese dollars. The same Bill has increased the penalty for illegally or cruelly killing, or abusing, an animal to a maximum two-year jail term and a fine of up to two million Taiwanese dollars.
From my point of view, there shouldn’t even be a debate about eating dogs or cats, but in the same breath, I eat cow, lamb and even ostrich meat – does that make me a cruel person?
As the NSPCA stated and I agree, it is more about the unique historical status of the dog and cat as close companions and frequent working partners of humans than that it is unacceptable to slaughter them for food.
