World | Philippines
Restaurateurs want dog meat ban lifted
A northern Philippines group is seeking amendments to the country's animal protection laws to allow the slaughter of dogs for food.
- By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
- Published: 00:00 March 26, 2007
Manila: A northern Philippines group is seeking amendments to the country's animal protection laws to allow the slaughter of dogs for food.
The United Preservation of Indigenous Culture and Cuisine (UPICC), a group of restaurant operators serving dog meat in La Trinidad and Baguio City, has urged Edgardo Angara, a senator instrumental in drafting the anti-slaughter law, to incorporate amendments to the Animal Welfare Act, a report by ABS-CBN News said.
The Animal Welfare Act outlaws the slaughter of dogs except for purposes of observing traditional sacrificial rituals, but UPICC asked Angara to make the law more accommodating by taking into consideration the fact that dog meat is a staple on the diet of people in Cordillera and several other parts of the country.
In a letter to Angara, UPICC lamented that the Animal Welfare Act had been insensitive to their customs and traditions.
"There is discrimination. Why does the law prohibit a person from eating his favourite food? If people in other countries do not eat dog meat, that is [because it is not part of] their customs and traditions," the UPICC submission to Angara stated, the report said.
UPICC also pointed out that highland Igorots, who practice the slaughter of dogs for food as part of their tradition, could easily distinguish canines raised as livestock from those which were brought up as pets.
Eating of dog meat is prevalent in Northern Philippines‚ highland areas where people believe that eating dog meat generates body warmth keeping them protected from the cold weather.
Every month, dozens of dogs destined for clandestine slaughter houses in Baguio and La Trinidad, are intercepted by authorities enforcing the ban on canine meat.
The local practice of dog meat-eating had drawn condemnation from other countries where dogs are viewed as pets rather than as a source of meat.
Health authorities had also issued warnings against eating dog meat after several deaths resulting from consumption of dog meat were recorded in various parts of the country.
Aside from highland areas, dog meat is generally a popular accompaniment to intoxicating drinks.
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