By Jibril Abdul Mumuni

Accra, June 23,GNA- Coalition for Cruelty Free Africa (CFCFA), supported by various international animal protection organizations, is intensifying its campaign to end dog and cat meat trade and animal sacrifices across several countries.

In a statement issued to Ghana News Agency, the Coalition condemned these acts of cruelty and abuse, which it says are prevalent in nations including China, Togo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Congo, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, and Southeast Asia.

The CFCFA highlighted a tragic surge in the mass slaughter of dogs, cats, and other animals for consumption and ritualistic sacrifices, particularly during summer months.

“Regions such as Yulin in China, Evala in Togo, Ogun in Nigeria, and Boknal in Korea are cited as areas where this horrific cruelty escalates, often involving the theft of pets and horrifying methods of torture, including animals being torn apart while still alive,” the statement said.

The statement underscored the serious global public health risks associated with the dog and cat meat trade, citing warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) about deadly diseases such as Rabies and Cholera.

Despite these warnings, the practices continue, leading to further loss of both animal and human lives.

China is identified as the world’s largest dog meat market, with an estimated 97,000 tonnes of dogs and cats “tortured and slaughtered” annually.

Investigations, according to the CFCFA, have exposed a widespread epidemic of dog thefts, causing immense distress to pet owners.

The Coalition noted that while there is a ban on the dog and cat meat trade in Korea, the practice of “ Boknal” still proceeds, resulting in the slaughter of countless dogs.

Nigeria is reported as the third-largest consumer of dog meat globally.

The CFCFA noted ongoing mass slaughter at Ogun, where “inocent animals are sacrificed in brutal outdated practices,” despite growing opposition and protests by compassionate Nigerians demanding an end to these practices.

According to the Coalition, animal cruelty is also prevalent in Togo as tourists are exploited in the guise of “Evala” where countless animals are slaughtered in the name of culture.

The Coalition welcomed the recent adoption of the “One Health” agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly, which emphasised the crucial link between human and animal health and the need to stop the exploitation of animals and treat them with compassion.

However, the CFCFA urged the global community to take more concrete action to implement these principles.

CFCFA, alongside other global organisations, is calling on all nations to outlaw the dog and cat meat trade and animal sacrifices.

They are also advocating for immediate action to stop wildlife and animal trafficking and to implement and enforce strict animal protection laws.

“Together, we must take a stand against animal cruelty and uphold global standards of health, compassion, humanity, and ethical responsibility,” the group said.
GNA
23 June 2025
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong