Jakarta Bans Dog and Cat Meat Trade, Citing Public Health and Animal Welfare Concerns
The Indonesian capital of Jakarta has officially outlawed the trade, slaughter, and consumption of dog and cat meat, a landmark decision hailed by animal welfare groups and expected to have ripple effects across the nation. The ban, formalized through Governor’s Decree No. 36 of 2025, will take effect on November 24, 2025, and encompasses the entire supply chain, from capture and breeding to distribution and sale.
Governor Pramono Anung announced the decree on November 25,2025,fulfilling a pledge made to organizations like Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) during a meeting last October. Animal protection advocates had long campaigned for stronger regulations, emphasizing the inherent cruelty of the industry and the meaningful public health risks associated with the practice, particularly the spread of zoonotic diseases like rabies.
“We have completed the enactment of the governor’s decree that we promised to animal lovers,” Governor Pramono stated on social media, adding that the measure represents “an important step in moving Jakarta toward becoming a more modern and civilized city.”
The new regulation extends beyond dogs and cats, prohibiting the use of any animal capable of transmitting rabies (HPR) – including monkeys and bats – for food. Specifically, Article 27, Paragraph A of the decree prohibits the trade of these animals for food in any form, be it live, raw meat, or processed products. Article 27, Paragraph B outlaws the slaughter of these animals for consumption.
The jakarta government intends to implement a guidance period for workers currently employed in the dog and cat meat industries, alongside plans for industry transition support. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the economic impact of the ban on those previously involved in the trade.
Animal welfare organizations have lauded the decision as a pivotal moment for animal rights in Indonesia. DMFI released a statement calling Jakarta’s move “an important milestone in the history of animal welfare in Indonesia,” and expressed hope that other regions will follow suit.
governor Pramono further emphasized the broader benefits of the ban, stating that it will “greatly contribute to raising the level of public health for citizens, including preventing the spread of rabies,” and meet the “long-standing aspirations of the animal lover community.”
The decision has sparked considerable interest in how it will influence other parts of Indonesia, where dog meat consumption persists in certain areas. The long-term impact of Jakarta’s ban on cultural practices and public health nationwide remains to be seen.
(Rizal Akbar Fauzi, political and economic reporter)
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: The ban was enacted due to growing concerns over animal welfare, public health risks (specifically zoonotic diseases like rabies), and a desire to modernize Jakarta’s image.
Who: The ban was formalized by Governor Pramono Anung of Jakarta, fulfilling a pledge to animal welfare organizations like Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI). It impacts workers in the dog and cat meat industries,animal welfare advocates,and the general public.
What: Jakarta has outlawed the trade, slaughter, and consumption of dog and cat meat, extending the ban to other rabies-transmitting animals like monkeys and bats. The decree covers the entire supply chain.
How did it end?: The ban was formalized through Governor’s Decree No. 36 of 2025 and will take effect on November 24, 2025. The government plans
