Indonesia has banned the sale and consumption of dog, cat and bat meat under new regulations signed on November 24 by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung.
The measure aims to curb rabies and strengthen supervision of the city’s meat trade, it was confirmed by Jakarta officials who revealed that the ban has already come into force.
The rule prohibits the sale of any animal that can transmit rabies, including dogs, cats, monkeys, bats, civets and related species. It applies to live animals, carcasses and all raw or processed products.
Governor Anung said the decision followed a promise he made to animal welfare advocates who submitted a petition to him in October. “When receiving the animal lovers, I promised them to establish a regulation for the governor,” he told Antara News, explaining that their efforts motivated quick action.
Jakarta has introduced a staggered application system, Jakarta Globe reported. First-time offenders will receive a written warning and any animals or meat will be confiscated for observation, especially when symptoms of rabies appear.
A second violation will result in outright forfeiture, repeat violations risk closing businesses, and continued noncompliance could result in permanent license revocation.
Although the ban is effective, authorities will wait six months before it begins to be actively enforced, according to AFP. Officials said the grace period is intended to help companies transition and allow agencies to establish follow-up.
Indonesia is one of the few countries where dog or cat meat is still sold, although opposition has increased and some municipalities have already adopted local bans. While dogs are generally considered impure under Islamic teaching in the country, dog meat remains part of culinary traditions in some regions and a source of inexpensive protein in some parts of Asia.
Animal rights groups welcomed the change. Dog Meat Free Indonesia told AFP the new rule “aligns with the Constitution’s mandate to protect all Indonesian people and become a just and civilized nation.”
Rabies remains a public health problem throughout Indonesia. WHO data attributes several dozen annual deaths to the virus, while the Health Ministry recorded 25 deaths between January and March 2025. Jakarta officials say the regulation aims to strengthen public health protection and reduce opportunities for rabies transmission through animal handling and slaughter.
“I hope this will help protect and improve the health of Jakarta residents,” the governor said in a statement posted on his Instagram page.
(Independent)
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