KUPANG, Indonesia, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A dog slaughterhouse and a dog meat restaurant in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara Timur province have ceased operations after collectively serving or slaughtering dogs for over 45 years, as part of an effort to end the dog meat trade in the country.
Ten dogs found alive at the slaughterhouse were rescued and will be available for adoption following a quarantine period. Humane World for Animals and Jakarta Animal Aid Network are collaborating on the “Models for Change” program in NTT province, an area identified as a hotspot for both the dog meat trade and rabies outbreaks.
The program aims to address the cruelty of the trade and its contribution to the spread of rabies, which is transmitted primarily through dog bites. Thousands of dogs are annually stolen, trafficked, or sold into the trade in NTT province. The initiative directly supports the Indonesian government’s goal of making NTT rabies-free by 2030.
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.”
Mr. Petrus Boly, the former slaughterhouse owner, who plans to open a convenience store, said: “When I think about the thousands of dogs I killed in the last 15 years, it makes me sad. I’m very 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 JANN, noted: “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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Models for Change program?
The Models for Change program, launched by Humane World for Animals and Jakarta Animal Aid Network, helps dog and cat meat traders transition to more sustainable livelihoods.
How many dogs are affected by the dog meat trade in Indonesia?
Around 1 million dogs a year suffer brutality for Indonesia’s meat trade.
What is the goal of the Indonesian government regarding rabies in NTT province?
The Indonesian government aims to make NTT province rabies-free by 2030.
Will providing alternative livelihoods be enough to end the dog meat trade in Indonesia?