Indonesian capital bans trade, consumption of dog, cat meat

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - The governor of the Indonesian capital announced Tuesday that the city officially banned the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat following the enactment of a new regulation.

Jakarta Regulation No. 36 of 2025, which prohibits the trade of meat from rabies-carrying animals for consumption, has been in force since Nov. 24, Gov. Pramono Anung said, according to the Antara state-run news agency.

Animals that can carry rabies, including dogs, cats, monkeys, bats, civets and similar species, cannot be traded for consumption, whether as live animals, carcasses or raw or processed products. They also cannot be slaughtered or killed for human consumption.

Those who violate the ban will receive a written warning for a first-time offense, and any rabies-carrying animal or carcass they are selling will be confiscated for observation. Repeat offenders will face business closures and the revocation of business licenses.

"When receiving the animal lovers (last month), I promised them to establish a governor regulation," said Anung, crediting activists for inspiring the policy and acknowledging their calls for a ban on dog and cat meat consumption in Jakarta.

He expressed hope that the newly enforced ban will help protect and improve the health of Jakartans and reduce rabies infections.