Poisoning Case: Commission IX of DPR Urges Local Governments to Regulate Ban on Dog and Cat Meat
Seven residents in Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi (Sulbar), were reported to have experienced poisoning symptoms after consuming dog meat. Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the DPR, Charles Honoris, urged the public not to consume non-consumable meat.
“We urge the public not to consume non-consumable animals such as dogs and cats. Besides ethical reasons and animal welfare, no less important is the risk to public health,” Charles told reporters on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
“Consumption of dog meat has the potential to spread diseases, including rabies, which is a deadly disease,” he added.
Charles expressed concern over the case affecting residents in Mamuju. According to him, this is a serious warning that consuming animals not intended for food poses health risks.
This case, Charles explained, also shows that food security aspects in society still need to be strengthened, particularly regarding the sources and types of meat consumed.
“Currently, the DPR is also discussing regulations that will ban the trade of non-consumable animals, including dogs and cats. This is important to provide legal certainty while protecting the public,” Charles stated.
Charles also encouraged local governments to take concrete steps. He mentioned the initiative by the DKI Provincial Government to ban the consumption of dog and cat meat.
“We also urge local governments to take concrete steps. Some regions like DKI Jakarta have already issued regulations prohibiting the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat,” he said.
“We hope other regions can follow this step to protect public health,” he continued.
It is known that the seven victims, consisting of teenagers and toddlers, were reported to have been poisoned after consuming dog meat. The victims included one 23-year-old youth, four teenagers aged 11-14 years, one 8-year-old child, and one 2-year-old baby.
The incident occurred in Karama Village, Kalumpang Subdistrict, Mamuju, on Sunday (29/3). The event began when a farmer with initials JS (30) saw a neighbour’s pet dog vomiting in the morning.
“Then (JS) took the initiative to slaughter the dog and cook it,” said Kalumpang Police Chief Ipda Lukman Rahman in his statement on Monday (30/3).
After the meat was cooked, several residents then ate the dish. However, not long after, two residents who consumed the meat began to feel nauseous and vomit.
“Then around 15.30 WITA, the health condition of 5 people suspected of being poisoned by dog meat became increasingly weak and worsened, so they were evacuated to the Karama Health Centre,” Lukman explained.
Currently, all seven victims are still receiving medical treatment. “The reporter’s opinion is that the temporary suspicion is that the dog that was slaughtered and consumed was a poisoned dog or one that had eaten rat poison. This is reinforced because before being slaughtered, the dog was seen vomiting,” he revealed.