Shocking Video Reveals the Dark Corner of Indonesia’s Meat Markets
On January 25, 2018, a heart‑wracking clip came to light that shows dogs being butchered, their fur scorched with blow‑torches, and other animals—monkeys, cats and even bats—gracing the stalls of live markets across Indonesia. The footage was captured by activists from the Dog Meat‑Free Indonesia coalition and has sparked a wave of protests from animal‑rights advocates.
What the Video Shows
- Dogs are mercilessly clobbered to death and then torch‑burned on the streets.
- Small cages cram animals that shiver and whimper just to be sold.
- The scene is set in markets in Tomohon and Langowan on Sulawesi island, where the same brutal practice is common.
- The footage also captures other distressed animals—monkeys, cats, bats—shattered and in distress.
Activists Speak Out
Lola Webber from the coalition described the market as “walking through hell.” Her description was not far from a tourist’s experience: many visitors find themselves drawn to the carnage with curiosity, even though the reality is grim.
- Bobby Fernando of Animal Friends Jogja reminds the world that Indonesia’s tourist motto, “Wonderful Indonesia,” feels hollow when you see a blood‑spattered dog trembling in fear.
- He urges global allies to join the campaign to end the dog and cat meat trade.
When Meat Becomes a Tourist Attraction
Despite Indonesia being largely a Muslim country where dog and cat consumption is not practiced, the market’s exotic trade is thriving in some regions. The local diet and commerce occasionally combine to position these animals as delicacies, pushing the industry into the spotlight and inviting scrutiny.
What the Coalition Wants
- Immediate shutdown of live animal markets.
- A criminal crackdown on people who facilitate the sale of dogs, cats, and other live animals.
- Greater public awareness about the cruelty tied to these markets.
The struggle continues—a call for an end to the dog and cat meat trade echoes through Jakarta and beyond. Let’s keep our eyes open and our voices loud, so these voiceless creatures aren’t forgotten in the midst of commerce.
