700,000 Signatures Submitted Worldwide
On 30th April 2026, animal campaigners in Sydney participated in a global initiative to submit a petition with 700,000 signatures. This petition urged Indonesia to end its dog and cat meat trade. Campaigners delivered it to Indonesian embassies and consulates in 11 countries. These included South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, and Thailand.
Animal advocates appealed to Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto to support the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill. This legislation aims to ban a trade involving over a million dogs and countless cats each year. If passed, Indonesia would join other Asian regions that have banned the cruel trade. South Korea, for instance, will fully enforce its ban on the dog meat industry by February 2027.
Georgie Dolphin, programme manager for Humane World for Animals Australia, said, “A ban on Indonesia’s dog and cat meat trade through its Animal Welfare and Protection Bill is urgently needed to protect the public health of both citizens and tourists from zoonotic disease risks and prevent animal cruelty.”
Health and Welfare Concerns
Indonesia’s dog and cat meat trade is linked to significant health risks. It includes the spread of rabies and involves the cruel slaughter of animals, often stolen pets. This trade disrupts efforts to eradicate rabies by 2030. It removes vaccinated animals from communities, breaking herd immunity.
The mass movement of dogs of unknown disease or vaccination status poses a major human health concern. It facilitates the spread of deadly diseases, including rabies, by bringing infected dogs into previously rabies-free areas.
Rebecca Dharmpaul from FOUR PAWS emphasised the need for legal protection for companion animals, saying, “The message from around the world is clear. With a vast majority of Indonesians calling for a ban, now is the time for the law to catch up.”
The Animal Welfare and Protection Bill has gained cross-party support in Indonesia. This reflects a growing regional trend against the dog and cat meat trade. Australia, home to an estimated 13 million dogs and cats, already prohibits the sale and trade of dog or cat meat under food safety laws.
Petition signers from Australia expressed solidarity. They aim to ensure dogs and cats in Indonesia receive the same legal protections. Indonesia is the top overseas holiday destination for Australians, attracting more than 1.6 million each year. This fact highlights the importance of addressing these public health concerns.
