Dog meat

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This article is about meat taken from dogs for human consumption. Dog meat can also refer to food intended to be eaten by a dog (dog food).
For the record label, see Dog Meat Records.
See also: Taboo food and drink
A platter of cooked dog meat
A platter of cooked dog meat
Companion animals in cuisine

Dog • Cat • Horse • Pig
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In some countries, apart from being kept as pets, certain breeds of dogs are raised on farms and slaughtered for their meat. This may be as an alternative source of meat or for specific medicinal benefits attributed to various parts of a dog. In parts of the world where dogs are kept as pets, people generally consider the use of dogs for food to be a social taboo. Articles supporting the right to eat dog meat have appeared in the Western press [1] [2] [3]. Westerners who protest against dog eating in other countries have been accused of cultural imperialism and intolerance. Joey Skaggs organised a hoax in the USA whereby a fictitious Korean restaurant asked for dogs to be made into dog meat in order to expose the intolerance of those opposed to dog-eating. [4][5]


Contents

[edit] Cultural attitudes, Legalities, and History

Cultural attitudes, legalities, and history regarding human consumption of dog meat varies from country to country. Very little statistical information is available on attitudes to consumption dog meat.

[edit] Arctic and Antarctic

Dogs have historically been an emergency food source for various peoples in Siberia, Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. Sled dogs are usually maintained for pulling sleds, but occasionally are eaten when no other food is available.

Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen is famous for eating sled dogs during his expedition to the South Pole.

[edit] China

Dog meat has been a source of food in China from at least the time of Confucius, and possibly even before. Ancient writings from the Zhou Dynasty referred to the 'three beasts'[cite this quote] (which were bred for food), including pig, goat, and dog. Mencius, the philosopher, recommended dog as the tastiest of all meats.

In the past in China, during a hard season when the food store was depleted, dogs were occasionally slaughtered as an emergency food supply. Today it is consumed for its perceived medicinal value of increasing the positive energy of one's body (the 'yang'), and helping to regulate blood circulation. Due to this belief, people eat dog meat in the winter to help to keep them warm.[6] [7]

A common breed grown for meat is a cross between a local Chinese dog and a St. Bernard, which produces many litters of fast growing animals each year.[8] The animals are slaughtered between 6 and 12 months of age for best size and tenderness.

The average Chinese does not usually consume dog meat as it is relatively expensive compared to other meat choices and hence generally more accessible to affluent Chinese. There is also an increasingly westernised view of dogs as pets. More concentrated dog meat consumption areas in China are in the northeast, south and southwestern areas.[9] Peixian County in Northern Jiangsu is well-known in China for the production of a dog-meat stew flavoured with soft-shelled turtle. The dish is said to have been invented by Fan Kuai and to have been a favourite with Liu Bang, founder of the Han dynasty. 300,000 dogs are killed in the county each year, much of the meat being processed into stew for export across China and Korea.[citation needed]

Dog eating is considered perfectly acceptable behavior in China, but can usually only be afforded by the wealthy. [10].

The Chinese normally cook the dog meat by stewing it with thick gravy or by roasting it. One method of preparing the dog carcass is by immersion in boiling water, allowing the skin to be peeled off in one pull.

In Hong Kong, a local ordinance was enacted during 1950s which prohibits the slaughter of any dog or cat for use as food, whether for mankind or otherwise, on pain of fine and imprisonment.[11][12] Four local men were sentenced to 30 days imprisonment in December 2006 for having slaughtered two dogs.[13] In an earlier case, in February of 1998, a Hong Kong man was sentenced to one month imprisonment and a fine of two thousand HK dollars for having been hunting street dogs for food.[14]

[edit] Indonesia

In Indonesia, the consumption of dog meat is usually associated with the Minahasa, a Christian ethnic group in northern Sulawesi, who consider dog meat to be a festive dish and usually reserve it for special occasions like weddings and Christmas.[15] Dog meat is not consumed by strictly-observant Muslims, as dogs are omnivores and as such are haraam under Muslim dietary laws.

[edit] Korea

Dog meat
Hangul:
개고기
NK: 단고기
Revised Romanization: Gaegogi
NK: Dan(-)gogi
McCune-Reischauer: Kaegogi
NK: Tan'gogi

Gaegogi literally means "dog meat" in Korean. Gaegogi, however, is often mistaken as the term for Korean soup made from dog meat, bosintang. It is made from a specific breed of dog that differs from those breeds that are kept as pets. The distaste felt by dog lovers, particularly from the West, with respect to eating dog has made this dish controversial in recent years.

The consumption of dog meat has a long tradition in Korea. Dog bones were excavated in a neolithic settlement in Changnyeong, South Gyeongsang Province. One of the wall paintings in the Goguryeo tombs complex in South Hwangghae Province, a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates from 4th century AD, depicts a slaughtered dog in a storehouse.

Today in Korea, a segment of the population use dog meat in medicinal summer soups and stews, and to avoid heat. Use of dogs for meat and the alleged methods of slaughter have generated friction between dog lovers, particularly Westerners, and people who eat dogs; the conflict occasionally breaks out as headline news. During the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea's capital city, the South Korean government asked its citizens not to consume dog meat to avoid bad publicity during the games. Korean law technically prohibits dog meat[citation needed], but the laws are not enforced[citation needed]. The controversy surfaced again in 2001 when the 2002 FIFA World Cup soccer games were held jointly in South Korea and Japan. [16][17] The organizer of the games, under pressure from animal rights groups such as PETA, demanded that the Korean government re-address the issue, but little changed. All breeds of dogs are eaten and dog wranglers drive through the village streets asking for unwanted pet dogs. A typical Korean dog slaughterhouse could have dogs ranging from poodles to beagles to Korean Jindo dogs. Another part of the controversy stems from the methods of slaughter, which include beating to death by clubs (common in the countryside) and hanging (criminal offenses in Korea under the Animal Protection Act 1991[citation needed]), as well as electrocution.

Dog meat is generally considered a medicinal dish (either to improve male virility[18] or to combat the heat in summer). Many Korean Buddhists consider eating dog an offense. Unlike beef, pork, or poultry, dog meat has no legal status as food in South Korea. There is an opinion in South Korea and abroad that dog meat should be legalized so that only authorized preparers can deal with the meat in more humane ways [19] [20], while others think eating dogs should be banned by law. During the FIFA World Cup, in the face of foreign pressure to ban the sale of dog meat, a group of prominent South Koreans wrote an open letter in support of dog-eating.[21]. South Korea's top soccer official said that FIFA had no business interfering in his country's eating habits [22]. Supporters of dog-eating held rallies against FIFA [23] and launched a campaign to promote dog meat [24] [25] [26].

[edit] Mexico

Dogs were historically bred for their meat by the Aztecs. Hernán Cortés reported that when he arrived in Tenochtitlan in 1519, "small gelded dogs which they breed for eating" were among the goods sold in the city markets. [27] These dogs were called itzcuintlis, and were similar to the modern Mexican Hairless Dog. They were often pictured on pre-Columbian Mexican pottery.

[edit] Nigeria

Dogs are eaten in the states of Abuja, Plateau, and Gombe of Nigeria. [28]

[edit] Philippines

In the capital city of Manila, Metro Manila Commission Ordinance 82-05 [29] specifically prohibits the killing and selling of dogs for food. More generally, the Philippine Animal Welfare Act 1998 [30] prohibits the killing of any animal other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses, deer and crocodiles except in the following instances:

  1. When it is done as part of the religious rituals of an established religion or sect or a ritual required by tribal or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural communities; however, leaders shall keep records in cooperation with the Committee on Animal Welfare;
  2. When the pet animal is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian;
  3. When the killing is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the animal as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian;
  4. When it is done to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of a human being;
  5. When done for the purpose of animal population control;
  6. When the animal is killed after it has been used in authorized research or experiments; and
  7. Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified licensed veterinarian.

Nevertheless, as is reported from time to time in Philippine newspapers, the eating of dog meat is not uncommon in the Philippines. [31] Dog Meat Trade .com, an organization working in the Philippines to eliminate the eating of dogs in the country, estimates that 500,000 dogs are killed annually in the Philippine Islands for human consumption.[32]

In the Province of Benguet, Resolution 05-392 has been passed declaring, among other things, "it has been an evolved cultural practice of indigenous peoples of the Cordillera the butchering of animals, dogs included, as part of their rituals and practices leading to its commercialization to a limited extent, and had become an inevitable common necessity in their way of life"; and resolving, among other things, "to seek the help and assistance of the Committee on Animal Welfare, Department of Agriculture, the Regional Police Office, Cordillera Administrative Region, the Provincial Police Office, Benguet Province, for the proper observance of the said rights of indigenous peoples".[33]

[edit] Polynesia

Dogs were historically eaten in Tahiti and other islands of Polynesia at the time of first European contact. James Cook, when first visiting Tahiti in 1769, recorded in his journal that "few were there of us but what allowe'd that a South Sea Dog was next to an English Lamb, one thing in their favour is that they live intirely upon Vegetables". [34] Today dogs are eaten in Tonga only, not in other Polynesian countries.

[edit] Switzerland

According to the November 21, 1996, edition of the Rheintaler Bote, a Swiss newspaper covering the Rhine Valley area, the Swiss rural cantons of Appenzell and St. Gallen are known to have had a tradition of eating dogs, curing dog meat into jerky and sausages, as well as using the lard for medicinal purposes. [35] Switzerland, as a whole, has no prohibition on the consumption of dog meat, although trading and sale is illegal.[36]

A few years earlier, a news report on RTL Television on the two cantons set off a wave of protests from European animal rights activists and other concerned citizens. A 7000 name petition was filed to the commissions of the cantons, who rejected it, saying it wasn't the state's right to monitor the eating habits of its citizens.


[edit] Taiwan

Dog meat in Taiwan is known as 香肉 (xiang1 rou4), meaning "fragrant/savory meat." Dog meat has never been commonplace in Taiwan, but it is particularly eaten in the winter months, especially black dogs, which are believed to help retain body warmth. In 2004, the Taiwanese government imposed a ban on the sale of dog meat, due to both pressure from domestic animal welfare groups and a desire to improve international perceptions, although there were some protests. [37] [38] According to Lonely Planet's Taiwan guide, it is still possible to find dog meat on some restaurant menus, but this is becoming increasingly rare.

[edit] Vietnam

A dog meat platter found in a street market a few miles east of Hanoi
A dog meat platter found in a street market a few miles east of Hanoi

While it is not considered a daily meat, dog meat is eaten throughout Vietnam. It is more popular in the North than in the South [39]. To many Northerners, dog meat is a popular, if relatively expensive, dinnertime restaurant meal. The term thịt chó, Vietnamese for 'dog meat', is used widely in the North. However, places selling dog meat in the South tend not to use the term, using instead "thịt cầy" (Bow Bow meat) or other word plays to conceal the meat's origin.

In Nhật Tân Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi, many restaurants serve dog meat, often imitating each other. Groups of male customers, seated on mats, will spend their evenings sharing plates of dog meat and drinking beer. Dog meat is supposed to raise the libido and is sometimes considered unsuitable for women; in other words, eating dog meat serves as a male bonding exercise. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for women to eat dog meat.

The consumption of dog meat can be part of a ritual usually occurring toward the end of the lunar month for reasons of astrology and luck. Restaurants which mainly exist to serve dog meat may only open for the last half of the lunar month.

Popular ways of preparing dog meat include stewing or grilling cubes or patties of meat. Dogs' feet are particularly popular.

In urban areas of the north, increasing incomes have sparked a search for new and more exotic recipes. There are about seven dishes featuring dog meat, and they often include the head, feet and internal organs.[40]

See also: Cuisine of Vietnam.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.slate.com/id/2060840/
  2. ^ http://www.sunysb.edu/writrhet/philosophy/handbook/essaycontest/2004essaywinners/2004%20Ahmet%20Zihni.htm
  3. ^ http://www.prospect.org/print/V13/10/feffer-j.html
  4. ^ Letter from Kea So Joo, Inc, 1994. snopes.com (May 1994). Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  5. ^ Kim Yung Soo (a.k.a. Joey Skaggs) (May 1994). Kea So Joo, a.k.a. Dog Meat Soup. joeyskaggs.com. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  6. ^ Jeffries, Stuart. "Fang shui", Sydney morning Hearald, 2004-12-29. Retrieved on 2006-09-04. (in english)
  7. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2172072.stm
  8. ^ St. Bernard dogs are being raised for food in China. Retrieved on 2006-12-20.
  9. ^ Batik, waterfalls and dog meat in rural China. Retrieved on 2006-09-06.
  10. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/2074073.stm
  11. ^ Slaughter of dog or cat for food prohibited. Hong Kong Bilingual Laws information System (1997-06-30). Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  12. ^ Slaughter of dog or cat for food - Penalty. Hong Kong Bilingual Laws information System (1997-06-30). Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  13. ^ Cheng, Jonathan (2006-12-23). Dog-for-food butchers jailed (DUBIOUS first case). The Standard - China's Business Newspaper. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.
  14. ^ First Case Imprisonment in HK for Dog Meal (2006-05-29). Retrieved on 2006-12-23.
  15. ^ Minahasa. Retrieved on 2006-12-20.
  16. ^ Fifa warns S Korea over dog meat. BBC News Asia-Pacific (2001-11-06). Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  17. ^ S Korea dog meat row deepens. BBC News Asia-Pacific (2001-11-12). Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  18. ^ Cerralbo, Yoav (2005-04-25). Dog meat's new tale. CBC News. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  19. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1731437.stm
  20. ^ http://www.animalrights.net/archives/year/2002/000004.html
  21. ^ http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=DST22122001_132
  22. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1651543.stm
  23. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1755535.stm
  24. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1758765.stm
  25. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1781486.stm
  26. ^ http://www.animalrights.net/archives/year/2002/000151.html
  27. ^ Cortés, Hernan; trans. Anthony Pagden. Letters from Mexico. ISBN 0-300-03799-6. 
  28. ^ Dog's dinners prove popular in Nigeria. Retrieved on 2006-03-06.
  29. ^ Metro Manila Commission Ordinance 82-05. Retrieved on 2006-10-27.
  30. ^ The Animal Welfare Act 1998. Retrieved on 2006-08-30.
  31. ^ Desiree Caluza (2006-01-17). Dog meat eating doesn’t hound Cordillera natives. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved on 2006-10-27.
  32. ^ Official website. Dog Meat Trade .com (2006-01-17). Retrieved on 2006-10-27.
  33. ^ Resolution 05-392. Province of Benguet (2006-01-17). Retrieved on 2006-10-27.
  34. ^ Mumford, David. The Explorations of Captain James Cook in the Pacific. ISBN 0-486-22766-9. 
  35. ^ Yang, Jeff (2005-10-13). ASIAN POP Putting On The Dog. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 2006-12-02. “Dog sausage and smoked dog jerky remains a staple in the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Appenzell, where one farmer was quoted in a regional weekly newspaper as saying that meat from dogs is the healthiest of all. It has shorter fibres than cow meat, has no hormones like veal, no antibiotics like pork.”
  36. ^ from EVU News, Issue 4 (1996). The old tradition of eating dogs is still alive in Switzerland. European vegetarian union (EVU). Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  37. ^ Taiwan Bans The Selling Of Dog Meat. Retrieved on 2006-09-06.
  38. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1097823.stm
  39. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1735647.stm
  40. ^ Arthurs, Clare (2001-12-31). Vietnam's dog meat tradition. BBC. Retrieved on 2006-10-10.

[edit] Further reading

  • Colting, Fredrik; Carl-Johan Gadd (2005-07-10). in Magnus Andersson Gadd: The Pet Cookbook: Have your best Friend for dinner. ISBN 91-974883-4-8. 
  • Professor Yong-Geun Ann, Ph.D. Dog Meat (in Korean and English). Hyoil Book Publishing Company.  (contains some recipes)
  • Dressler, Uwe; Alexander Neumeister (2003-05-01). Der Kalte Hund (in German). ISBN 3-8330-0650-1. 

[edit] External links

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