Calls for dog meat ban reemerge in Indonesia after police foil smuggling attempt

A police officer checks on the condition of dogs rescued from a smuggling attempt, on Jan. 10, 2024, in Semarang, Central Java. Volunteers from Animals Hope Shelter Indonesia are taking care of 226 dogs which authorities rescued from smugglers on Jan. 6. - Antara via Jakarta Post/ANN

JAKARTA: Central Java Police named five people as suspects for allegedly smuggling more than 200 dogs bound for a slaughterhouse in Semarang, Central Java, raising calls from animal rights activists for a nationwide ban of dog meat consumption.

Last Saturday, Semarang Police personnel intercepted a truck filled with dogs that had their legs shackled and mouths bound.