15 conservative backbenchers are trying to make a change in the UK and they may be successful. If they are able to pull it off, eating dogs will be illegal because of changes to the Brexit Agricultural Bill.
You might even be surprised to know that in the UK, it is currently legal to ‘humanely kill and eat a dog you own’. This is coming on the heels of changes in the United States in 2018 that outlawed that outlaw eating cat and dog meat.
Although the bill would only be covering the UK, it is hoped that it will also set a precedent for other countries, including those in the Far East where it is popular to eat dog and cat meat.
This would include areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and China. Although the numbers are difficult to pin down, it is thought that as many as 30 million dogs are killed for consumption every year in those countries.
The MP for Clacton, Giles Watling, said: “It is simply not right to eat companion animals.
“There are also some incredibly cruel practices related to the eating of dogs around the world, such as the belief that the animals taste better if they die when stressed.
“We want to lead by example alongside countries like the United States, Germany and Austria who have already implemented bans – not lag behind them, and I hope the Government will listen.”
Sir Robert Syms and Tracey Crouch are two former ministers who are backing the bill along with Zach Goldsmith, the former London Mayor candidate.
There are also opposition MPs that may be behind the changes in the bill as well. For example, Shadow Environment Sec. Sue Hayman has been involved in some meetings with campaign groups.
If the changes in the bill take place, it would ‘prohibit the human consumption, transport and possession of dog and cat meat’. If you are found guilty of this act, you could spend up to six months in prison.
The World Dog Alliance also launched a campaign in August 2018 to stop dog meat consumption in the UK.
Foreign Office minister Sir Alan Duncan has called consuming dog meat a ‘disgusting habit’. He is a strong supporter of the campaign.
President of the UK Kennel Club is also a supporter. Caroline Kisko, the secretary had the following to say: “We fully understand the impact that UK animal welfare laws can have on other countries, which is why we strongly support the World Dog Alliance’s campaign to make it illegal for humans to eat dog meat in the UK.
“Dogs are our beloved companions who should be nurtured and looked after, not eaten. Thankfully there have been no cases in the UK but that should not stop us changing the law here to help protect them from unnecessary harm in countries where this appalling practice takes place.”