Builsa South Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Clement Apaak, has disputed International Animal Rights Activist’s claims that dogs are not to be eaten on premise of the role they play in the lives of humans.
Natasha Choolin, the activist, said in a petition to the government of Ghana that dogs and cats are “loyal companions” for which reason they should be “treated with kindness and respect, not brutalized and eaten.”
She further observed that the trading of the meat of the two animals are putting the health of people at risk of contracting deadly diseases like cholera, rabies and covid-19 among others.
In her estimation, the trade is in itself “demonic” and “barbaric”, hence must be banned from taking place in the country.
Dr. Clement responding to the claims on Rainbow Radio, stated that though he could not speak for those who eat cat meat, having imposed upon himself the “Global Dog Eaters Association” President position, he is certain that the said petition will not see the light of day.
He argued that the delicacy is not only an element of the culture of its consumers, but a “traditional and human right”.
He therefore urged all to remain unruffled and to continue to enjoy while hoping that the consumption level would increase.
Dog meat
In Ghana, dog meat is associated with the people of the North and Eastern Region.
Due to the buzz around the delicacy, consumers of the meat, especially in the Northern sector, have a game they play in which the winner takes the head home as a trophy.
In the same region, tribes tease each other with the level of consumption, where they address the one assumed as the most consumer “Head”
There is also a dog market in that part of the country where consumers troop in to buy their fresh meat. The meat however is treated like any other meat.
Cat meat
Cat on the other hand, popular known as “Joseph”, is eaten by the people of Volta Region. It is not known how the name came about or why, but it is widely known such that people make fun of its consumers suggesting that the meat is scarce because of how much they consume it.
“Joseph” is usually served in pepper soup and it is sold in joints on the streets.
