Parigi Moutong Regency in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, has taken a significant step toward ending the brutal dog and cat meat trade with the issuance of official directives prohibiting the trade, slaughter, and distribution of these animals for consumption. The move, confirmed by local authorities, represents a critical advancement in efforts to dismantle a network that has long subjected thousands of animals to unimaginable suffering each month.
For decades, Parigi Moutong has served as a key transit point for dogs and cats trafficked to markets and slaughterhouses, particularly in North Sulawesi, where the trade is notorious for its cruelty. These animals are often transported long distances in horrific conditions, crammed into cages and subjected to extreme stress before facing a terrifying and inhumane death. The new regulations aim to sever this supply chain at its source, bolstering enforcement and empowering local communities to report violations.
The directives mandate that local authorities actively monitor and shut down illegal activities related to the dog and cat meat trade. This includes increased oversight of transportation routes, markets, and slaughterhouses, as well as the prosecution of individuals involved in the trade. The move comes after investigations, including one conducted in June 2025 by Lady Freethinker, documented the appalling conditions within live-animal markets in North Sulawesi, revealing widespread cruelty and a massive scale of operations.
The response to these findings has been a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Lady Freethinker in partnership with Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) and Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) through a project known as PROJECT Sulawesi. This initiative focuses on a multi-pronged approach to dismantling the trade, rather than simply reacting to its symptoms. The strategy centers on closing trafficking routes, preventing the entry of animals into the trade, and addressing the underlying factors that sustain the practice.
Closing Trafficking Routes and Protecting Animal Welfare
PROJECT Sulawesi’s approach extends beyond Parigi Moutong, encompassing efforts across Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo. A key component is strengthening enforcement of existing and newly implemented bans on the dog and cat meat trade at both the local and provincial levels. This includes supporting local authorities with resources and training to effectively monitor and regulate the trade.
Beyond enforcement, the project is also addressing the public health risks associated with the trade. The unregulated slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats can contribute to the spread of diseases, including rabies, a deadly viral infection. PROJECT Sulawesi aims to vaccinate 70% of the dog population in targeted areas – the threshold needed to eliminate rabies – thereby protecting both animal and human health. According to the World Health Organization, rabies remains a significant public health concern in Indonesia, with dogs being the primary source of human infections. WHO data shows that Indonesia is among the countries with the highest burden of rabies globally.
To further disrupt the trade, the initiative is focused on intercepting the transportation of animals by establishing and staffing border checkpoints along major transport routes. These checkpoints will serve as critical points of control, allowing authorities to identify and seize animals being illegally transported for slaughter.
The Cruelty Unveiled: A Glance Inside Sulawesi’s Markets
The investigations that spurred PROJECT Sulawesi revealed a harrowing reality for the dogs and cats caught in the trade. Animals are often stolen pets or strays, transported for days without food or water, and confined in overcrowded, filthy cages. The Lady Freethinker investigation detailed the horrific conditions, describing animals forced to witness the slaughter of others, living in constant fear and surrounded by the stench of blood and death. The psychological and physical suffering endured by these animals is immense.
The scale of the trade is staggering. Thousands of dogs and cats are slaughtered each month in North Sulawesi alone, fueling a demand driven by local consumption and, to a lesser extent, tourism. The trade is not only cruel but also unsustainable, relying on the illegal capture and transport of animals.
Real Impact and Future Steps
The directives issued in Parigi Moutong are already showing positive results. Reports indicate a decrease in the number of dogs and cats being stolen and sold, and fewer animals are entering the markets and slaughterhouses. Traders are facing increased scrutiny and risk, making it more demanding for them to operate. While precise figures are still being compiled, local animal welfare groups report a noticeable shift in the dynamics of the trade.
However, the fight is far from over. PROJECT Sulawesi and its partners remain committed to ending the trade completely, not just in Parigi Moutong but across all of Sulawesi and beyond. Future efforts will focus on expanding enforcement to other key transit points, increasing public awareness about the cruelty of the trade, and working with local communities to promote alternative livelihoods for those involved in the industry.
The next critical step involves ensuring the full and effective implementation of the directives in Parigi Moutong. This requires ongoing monitoring, training for local authorities, and continued engagement with communities to encourage reporting of violations. Authorities have indicated that a progress report on enforcement efforts will be released in the third quarter of 2026.
This progress is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication of animal welfare organizations and local authorities. It demonstrates that with sustained effort and a comprehensive approach, it is possible to dismantle even the most entrenched and cruel practices.
We encourage readers to learn more about the operate of Lady Freethinker, Jakarta Animal Aid Network, and Bali Animal Welfare Association and to support their efforts to conclude the dog and cat meat trade. Share this story to raise awareness and help us build a more compassionate world for all animals.
