The Coalition for Cruelty Free Africa (CFCFA), backed by a network of international animal protection organizations, has intensified its campaign to abolish the dog and cat meat trade and ritual animal sacrifices across Africa and parts of Asia.
In a powerful statement, the Coalition condemned the widespread and inhumane treatment of animals in several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Korea, and others.
The group raised alarm over an “alarming surge in the mass slaughter of dogs, cats, and other animals,” particularly during the summer months when cultural and ritual practices peak.
“Regions such as Yulin in China, Evala in Togo, Ogun in Nigeria, and Boknal in Korea are cited as areas where this horrific cruelty escalates, often involving the theft of pets and horrifying methods of torture, including animals being torn apart while still alive,” the statement read.
Beyond the shocking brutality, the CFCFA stressed the grave public health dangers associated with these practices. Citing warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO), the group noted that the dog and cat meat trade is a major vector for deadly diseases such as rabies and cholera. Despite repeated warnings, the killing continues, placing both human and animal lives at risk.
The Coalition identified China as the world’s largest dog meat market, where an estimated “97,000 tonnes of dogs and cats [are] tortured and slaughtered annually.” Investigations have reportedly exposed rampant dog theft, leaving pet owners devastated and communities anxious.
While Korea has instituted bans on the trade, the CFCFA expressed concern over the continued observance of “Boknal,” a tradition that leads to the mass killing of dogs every summer.
Nigeria, ranked as the third-largest consumer of dog meat globally, remains a focal point in the Coalition’s advocacy. “Ongoing mass slaughter at Ogun, where innocent animals are sacrificed in brutal outdated practices,” persists despite vocal protests from citizens and rights groups demanding change.
Togo’s “Evala” festival was also condemned by the Coalition as a cruel spectacle masked as cultural tradition, with “countless animals slaughtered” for the entertainment of tourists.
The CFCFA welcomed the recent global endorsement of the One Health agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly. The agreement affirms the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. However, the Coalition stressed that declarations must be matched by action and that governments must begin implementing the principles by ending cruel practices.
The group is urging governments worldwide to pass and enforce legislation banning the dog and cat meat trade and ritual animal killings. It is also calling for urgent crackdowns on wildlife trafficking and the illegal pet trade, which often feeds these industries.
“Together, we must take a stand against animal cruelty and uphold global standards of health, compassion, humanity, and ethical responsibility,” the Coalition said.
The CFCFA has pledged to continue its advocacy until cruelty against animals is eradicated and humane practices are adopted across all cultures and nations.
