Jakarta has taken a major step for animal welfare and public health. The city administration has officially banned the trade of dog, cat, and bat meat.
Governor Pramono Anung announced the new regulation on Tuesday. He is fulfilling a pledge made last month to crack down on the practice. The measure aims to prevent the spread of rabies across the capital.
A Comprehensive Ban
The Governor confirmed signing the regulation on Monday. The directive targets every stage of the supply chain.
“I have signed the regulation,” Governor Pramono stated. He noted that it prohibits the sale of rabies-transmitting animals for food.
The ban forbids all activities related to this trade. This includes the sale of live animals. It also covers raw or processed meat products derived from dogs, cats, and bats.
Six-Month Grace Period
Authorities are implementing a transition phase. The regulation provides a six-month grace period.
This window allows vendors and businesses to adjust to the new rules. However, strict enforcement will begin once this period expires.
Violators will face penalties. Sanctions range from formal written warnings to the revocation of business licenses.
A Win for Animal Rights
This decision marks a major shift in Indonesia. Animal rights groups have long campaigned against the trade. They cite cruelty and severe health risks.
Advocates praised the Jakarta administration’s move. They described it as a crucial step toward a more civilized society. Local groups noted that the policy protects citizens and upholds animal welfare standards.
Fighting Rabies
Public health is the primary driver for the regulation. Rabies remains a persistent threat in the region. Unfortunately, dozens of fatalities are recorded annually.
Dogs are generally considered unclean in Muslim-majority Indonesia. Yet, some communities still consume the meat as a delicacy.
Health officials have identified this unchecked trade as a risk. Consequently, they pushed for tighter controls to stop the spread of the virus.
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