I remember a TV advert quite a few years back in the Philippines. It shows a group of people hitting a sack with sticks. The sack apparently is not empty. All you can hear are the cries of the dog that is inside the sack. The dog would be growling and barking angrily when the hitting starts but cries in pain during each hit. They would continue the torture until the dog is dead. They must have this sick belief that the bruised and bloodied body of a tortured dog will taste better. That dog will become dinner for that despicable group of people. It was an advert against animal cruelty.
This was Philippines, and unfortunately, the “dog-eating people” stigma still exists. I sometimes hear foreigners mistakenly generalizing all Filipinos as dog-eating people. To set the record straight, only a minute percentage of the population practices that, and most Filipinos are dog lovers as much as anyone else. I for one had six pet dogs before; they were a riot together but it was fun. Dogs are one of the most fascinating creatures on earth. They are extremely loyal, affectionate and intelligent and animals. Truly, dogs are a man’s best friend.
Philippines and Korea both have the unenviable notoriety of dog eating. It is very embarrassing and definitely not something to brag about. No one who has eaten dog meat before, either knowingly or accidentally should brag about it. I am a dog lover and I am sorry to say but you will not find an agreeable listener in me.
2. Forward and share this article to your friends.
3. Donate to notable non-profit organisations like Animal Kingdom Foundation (http://www.animalkingdomfoundation.org/).
It is beyond me then that anyone will butcher a dog and eat it or serve it as a “delicacy” to others. What are more appalling are the conditions or environment the dogs will have to go through before they are butchered like pigs, for the meat. It is also dismaying to know that is illegal to eat dogs in the Philippines for more than 10 years now, but the illegal dog trade still flourishes right under the cop’s nose especially in the northern regions. Equally alarming is that heaps of foreign organisations have been to the Philippines to further the case against dog eating. Countless documentaries have been made, but it fell to the deaf ears of corrupt politicians.
One such unfearing and generous soul is Tauranga, New Zealand animal welfare campaigner Elly Maynard. She was recently in Baguio, Philippines to appeal to the local police to stop the illegal dog trade. She has been gathering evidences against the illegal dog trade and creating shelters for rescued dogs. She gets funding from NZ donations, but mostly it came from her own pocket. According to Elly, her stay in the Philippines was very worthwhile because the PNP (Philippine National Police) in coordination with the Animal Kingdom Foundation launched an information campaign against eating dogs. Despite her enormous success, it is surprising to know that there are detractors who do not approve of her works. Do not worry Elly, I for one, support and commend your project. To watch the episode on Campbell Live on NZ TV3, please click this link: http://www.3news.co.nz/NZ-animal-welfare-campaigner-Dogs-not-for-human-consumption/tabid/817/articleID/89967/cat/84/Default.aspx.
On a positive note, it is amazing that rescued dogs that survive their horrifying ordeal and nursed back to health, holds no grudge against humans. Their pure and innocent heart is so full of love for their masters. I do not know about you but I would definitely want to be the recipient of that awesome affection a dog whole-heartedly gives to his/her master.
Growing up in the Philippines, I guess it is not that surprising that the illegal dog trade still thrives even with the law in place for more than 10 years. It is shameful I know, but I think we can all help put an end to this horrendous trade:
1. An absence of demand will most certainly stomp out the illegal dog trade. Convince your friends and relatives to refuse dog meat.
It is all simple acts but if we work together, we can make a difference.
(Please feel free to leave a comment to add to the list. Thanks)
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About Me
- ed the head
- Christchurch, New Zealand
- I am a Software Developer in NZ. In addition to occasional blogging, I am a photographer and a movie buff, averaging three movies a week. I also own a PSP and a Nintendo Wii, which pretty much makes me a gamer, I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music in my Ipod, I collect Marvel Legends figures, and I love dogs as pets.
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The state of the world will not change if people stop eating dogs nor will that bring world peace. Dogs will remain to be non poisonous animals that can be classified by humans as fair game to eat. You likened dogs to being treated like pigs as if to insinuate a big difference in their status. Mind you a domesticated pig can behave as well as your dog if kept as pets. If you are going to lobby for the dogs' cause at least do it for the pig too and not insinuate that its ok to eat pigs but not dogs.
I agree though that the way dogs for meat are treated horribly in the Philippines and that should change. BTW, don't get me wrong but I also don't eat dog meat, I just don't think I should be imposing my beliefs on others is right.
As a dog lover, I see a mountain of a difference between a pig and a dog. There are countless stories of a dog’s bravery and heroism saving lives. In fact dogs do not need to do extraordinary feats, dogs are used regularly as guide dogs, police dogs, hunting dogs, sheep dogs and even rehab for children with disabilities.
Yes, this cause will not bring world peace, but at least if people will care enough to respect and not eat man’s best friend, the world has become a much better place to live in.