Indonesia’s Dog Meat Trade Sees Progress with Slaughterhouse Closures and Livelihood Program

KUPANG, Indonesia – A dog slaughterhouse and a dog meat restaurant in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province, Indonesia, have permanently closed their doors, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to end the dog meat trade. The businesses, operating for over 45 years combined, ceased operations as part of the “Models for Change” program launched by Humane World for Animals and Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN).

Rescued Dogs and Program Details

Ten dogs were rescued from the slaughterhouse and are currently undergoing quarantine before being made available for local adoption. The Models for Change program focuses on providing alternative livelihoods for those involved in the dog meat trade, addressing both animal welfare concerns and the spread of rabies. NTT province is identified as a hotspot for both the dog meat trade and rabies transmission.

Addressing Rabies and Animal Welfare

Thousands of dogs are annually stolen, trafficked, or sold into the dog meat trade in Indonesia. This practice not only raises serious animal welfare issues but also contributes to the spread of rabies, a deadly disease. The Models for Change program directly supports the Indonesian government’s goal of making NTT province rabies-free by 2030. Humane World for Animals and JAAN are working with local communities to transition away from the trade.

Voices from the Trade

Julie Sanders, campaign director for Humane World for Animals, stated, “Every business that shuts down as part of Models for Change represents a tangible step toward eliminating the cruel dog meat trade, safeguarding animal welfare and protecting communities from the risk of rabies.”

Petrus Boly, the former slaughterhouse owner, who will now open a convenience store, shared, “When I consider about the thousands of dogs I killed in the last 15 years, it makes me sad. I’m highly happy to be moving out of the trade. Dog slaughter is dangerous due to the risk of rabies so this opportunity came at the right time in my life.”

Karin Franken, director of JAAN, added, “These closures demonstrate that if financial and business support is provided, people are willing and keen to move out of the cruel and dangerous dog meat trade.”

Program Expansion and Impact

The Models for Change program builds on successful initiatives in South Korea, Viet Nam, and India, assisting dog and cat meat traders in transitioning to sustainable livelihoods. According to Humane World for Animals, approximately 1 million dogs are subjected to brutal conditions annually in Indonesia’s meat trade. NTT province reported 78 confirmed human cases of rabies in 2025.

Further information, including photos and videos, can be found here.