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The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) says there is a booming underground market for dog meat being sold as goat meat in some public drinking places and on the open market.
VAZ president, Malcom Chiyoba says there is need for deterrent measures to stop the illegal practice before the trend becomes widespread.
Speaking during the VAZ and Animal Welfare Societies joint press briefing in Lusaka today, Dr. Chiyoba explained that consumption of dog meat exposes humans to diseases such as rabies.
He added that dogs are a host to a number of serious zoonotic parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms which are transmittable to humans.
Dr. Chiyoba observed that to effectively combat the illicit trade, there is need to revisit and revise outdated legislation such as the prevention of cruelty to animals Act of 1960.
“The exposure of the unsuspecting public to dog meat calls for very strict and stringent measures as well as to rethink how meat of animal origin is carelessly made available to consumers without undergoing meat inspection,” he said.
Dr. Chiyoba has called on enforcement and implementation of the food safety act number seven of 2019 to bring awareness on cultural attitudes towards dog meat.
And Animal Welfare Society Vice Chairperson, Sheila Oparacha disclosed that the Society has evidence that in July 2022, a truck carrying 69 dogs was stopped at a police checkpoint in Mkushienroute to Kasumbalesa.
Dr. Oparacha said out of the 69 dogs, 19 of them survived and that two people were convicted for illegal movement of animals and animal cruelty.
She explained that the dogs were alleged to be purchased from Luapula Province.
Dr. Oparacha further said consuming dog meat is not part of Zambian culture and since time immemorial, Zambians have viewed dogs as man’s best companion.
She said the demand for dog meat in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) creates a lucrative market which results in illegal transportation of dogs in Zambia.
ZANIS
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