Nagaland bans commercial import, trading of dogs and sale of dog meat

Nagaland government on Friday( Jul 03, 2020)banned the import, trading, and sale of dog meat in the north-eastern state.

Nagaland chief secretary Temjen Toy tweeted after the decision was taken at a cabinet meeting.

“The state government has decided to ban the commercial import and trading of dogs and dog markets and also the sale of canine meat, both cooked and uncooked.”

“This is a progressive move. In this day and age, positive social media activism and advocacy has an enormous impact on policymakers. Congrats and thanks to all,” Abu Metha, advisor to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, tweeted.

Earlier, the Mizoram government had taken a similar decision in March.

The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation (FIAPO) had urged the state government to immediately ban the slaughter of dogs and enforce stringent animal welfare laws.

“We are writing with deep concern, shock and horror at recent images that have emerged from ‘animal bazaar’ markets in Dimapur where dogs are seen in terrified conditions, tied up in sacks, waiting at a wet market, for their illegal slaughter, trade and consumption as meat,” FIAPO legal manager wrote to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a letter.