The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has urged the Ghanaian government to ban the slaughter and consumption of cats and dogs, warning that the practice poses serious health risks and undermines the role of these animals as family companions.
In a statement on Monday, ICS Executive Director Eric Jerry Aidoo emphasized that cats and dogs are “vital members of our homes and our national community,” providing companionship, emotional support, and security.
“By treating these animals as meat, we diminish their value as loyal partners in our daily lives and undermine the social fabric of our communities,” he said.
The NGO highlighted public health concerns associated with the consumption of cat and dog meat, including the risk of rabies, trichinellosis, and cholera, often linked to unregulated slaughter and poor hygiene in the illegal trade.
ICS is calling on the Ministry of Health to take urgent action, including a total ban on the slaughter of cats and dogs, legislation criminalizing the trade and sale of their meat, and a national public awareness campaign on the associated health risks.
“Cats and dogs are our family; they deserve protection, not the slaughterhouse,” Aidoo said.
The institute urged media outlets to amplify the message and for the public to support efforts to promote animal welfare and public safety.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
