Jakarta has outlawed the sale and consumption of dog, cat and bat meat, introducing one of Indonesia’s most sweeping measures yet to curb rabies and regulate its controversial meat trade.
Governor Pramono Anung signed the prohibition into force on 24 November, with Jakarta officials later confirming that the ban is now active.
Mr Anung said the measure fulfilled a commitment he had made to animal welfare activists who petitioned him in October.
Dog meat enthusiasts enjoy a dish at a food stall in Jakarta ( AFP via Getty ).
Indonesia remains one of the few countries where dog or cat meat is still sold for consumption, although public opposition has grown and several municipalities have introduced local bans in recent years.
The Jakarta administration says the new regulation is designed to strengthen public-health safeguards and reduce opportunities for the virus to spread via animal handling and slaughter.
“I hope this helps protect and improve the health of Jakarta residents,” the governor said in a statement posted on his official Instagram account. »
