Introduction

The Tomohon Extreme Market in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, was once a popular tourist attraction. However, it gained international condemnation in 2018 when animal activists exposed the brutal treatment of dogs and cats at the market.

Animal activists, led by the Humane Society International, called for major travel companies to stop recommending the market as a tourism site. Companies like Tripadvisor responded by ceasing their support for the market.

Although banning the dog and cat meat trade, deeply rooted in the local Minahasa culture, was challenging, activists persisted in their efforts.

In July, the mayor of Tomohon, Caroll Senduk, signed a law prohibiting the trading of dog and cat meat at the market. The market’s meat traders also agreed to permanently stop selling, slaughtering, and trafficking these animals. This achievement was hailed as a significant win for animal protection.

The traders received financial support to transition away from the trade, while activists highlighted the health risks associated with live animal markets, including the spread of diseases like Covid-19 and rabies.

Although the ban on dog and cat meat in the Tomohon market signifies progress, the fight against the trade is far from over. The influx of stray animals and poor governance pose ongoing challenges. To address these issues, the Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition is promoting programs to spay, neuter, and vaccinate dogs and cats across the country.

They also hope to replicate the success of the Tomohon market ban in other provinces where dog meat is consumed. While only a small percentage of the Indonesian population has tried it, certain regions have a cultural preference for it, despite religious beliefs regarding the consumption of dogs.

Activists emphasize the importance of raising public awareness about the cruelty and trafficking associated with the dog and cat meat trade. They also highlight the lack of law enforcement and governance as significant obstacles to ending the trade in Indonesia.

While the sale of dog meat is illegal in many parts of Asia, including Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, it continues in countries like China, South Korea, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, where cultural, superstitious, and medicinal beliefs contribute to the trade, efforts to end it have faced resistance.

The negative media attention surrounding the Tomohon market and the dog and cat meat trade has affected tourism. Travelers, both international and domestic, express their concerns about the cruelty involved and its impact on their travel decisions.

However, the ban on the trade may attract more visitors to North Sulawesi, as it demonstrates the region’s commitment to animal welfare and ethical practices.