A new investigation by Lady Freethinker (LFT) into the dog meat trade in Medan, a city in Indonesia, revealed dogs tied up in bags and sold to meat buyers at several markets where the trade is prohibited.
Lady Freethinker’s investigator visited approximately a dozen dog meat restaurants and four outdoor markets near Medan, Sumatra in August 2024 – two years after Medan announced a ban on the trade – and documented an active and brutal dog meat industry. Dogs thrashed around in resistance as they were forced into bags; they trembled in fear in cages mere feet away from slaughter and where decapitated dog heads were on display for sale.
Lady Freethinker Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
At one of the markets, the investigator saw approximately 50 dogs — restrained by bags in the scorching heat — for sale. The bags went up to the dogs’ necks rendering them unable to move. Some of the dogs’ mouths were taped shut, appearing to make it difficult for the dogs to breathe in the heat. The bound dogs were thrown into a van and piled on top of each other – likely headed to slaughter at dog meat restaurants.
At one market, dog heads were seen for sale in colorful baskets. Puppies were also documented crowded together in rusted cages at the markets – some to sell as pets and others for meat.
Lady Freethinker Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
At times, the investigator noted that dogs were killed near other dogs.
Some of the dogs were visibly sick – including one dog who had horrific cancerous tumors. This dog was seen shaking in a cage near an area for cooking meat. Raw dog meat was documented at one of the markets. Some sellers reportedly claimed that sick dogs could be found for sale cheaper than other dogs.
The unsanitary conditions witnessed at the markets pose a health risk for everyone involved – as zoonotic diseases like rabies may spread through dog meat markets.
Lady Freethinker is calling on Medan to enforce the ban on commercial dog meat – to end the cruel industry and protect human health.
Lady Freethinker Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
“The fear and suffering endured by the dogs brutally abused and slaughtered for the meat trade must end,” said Lady Freethinker Founder Nina Jackel. “I urge officials to step up and enforce the existing ban, and ensure that dogs and other animals are granted the humane treatment they deserve as sensitive, intelligent beings.”
SIGN: Shut Down the Dog Meat Trade and Live Animal Markets in Sumatra
