Animal rights activists on Tuesday launched a new campaign to bring an end to the dog meat trade in Cambodia.
Newsweek reached out to Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries by email with a written request for comment.
Why It Matters
In parts of Asia-including China, Vietnam, and Cambodia-dog meat consumption persists, even as its popularity continues to decline.
The growth of the middle class in these countries has helped shift public attitudes against the practice. Unregulated and marked by inhumane slaughter and illegal trade, this shadowy industry faces growing scrutiny over both ethical issues and public health risks.
What To Know
Siem Reap became the first Cambodian province to ban dog meat sales in 2020, with offenders facing jail time and fines of up to 50 million riel (about $12,500). Now, FOUR PAWS, a Vienna-based animal welfare organization, is leading a push for a nationwide ban.
As part of its latest campaign, titled "This Is Not What Cambodians Want," FOUR PAWS is collecting signatures to submit to the country's agriculture ministry.
The group estimates that around 3 million dogs-many of them family pets-are captured and transported to slaughterhouses each year. There, they are often killed using cruel methods such as drowning, electrocution, and blowtorching.
FOUR PAWS also highlights the potential public health benefits of ending the trade, including reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases like rabies.
In its effort to eradicate the disease within its borders by 2030, Cambodia is currently undertaking a broad campaign in areas such as Phnom Penh. These efforts include mass education initiatives and the free vaccination of dogs.
The organization says its recent survey found that around 90 percent of Cambodians support ending the dog meat trade.
Over the years, FOUR PAWS has gathered more than a million signatures worldwide in its broader effort to end the global cat and dog meat trade.
The group has also worked with authorities in Siem Reap and Indonesia to raid illegal slaughter facilities, provide medical treatment to rescued animals, and coordinate adoptions.
What People Are Saying
Karanvir Kukreja, head of Four Paws' companion animal campaigns, said: "As someone who deeply cares about the welfare of dogs, it is heart-wrenching to witness the suffering caused by the dog meat trade in Cambodia. This campaign is not just about ending a cruel practice; it is about amplifying the voices of the vast majority of Cambodians who oppose it."
What Happens Next
As of publishing time, the petition had received nearly 600 of the 5,000 signatures needed. It remains unclear whether Cambodia's government will issue a response.
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 4:41 AM.