Youth to Toddlers in Mamuju Poisoned After Consuming Dog Meat

Several residents of Kalumpang Subdistrict, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi, were reported to have suffered food poisoning after consuming dog meat. Seven people suspected of being poisoned by the dog meat, ranging from youths to toddlers, were rushed to hospital for medical treatment. The seven residents, consisting of teenagers and toddlers, who were poisoned after consuming the dog meat, experienced vomiting, a burning sensation in the chest and stomach, and headaches. “The victims consist of one 23-year-old youth, four teenagers aged 11-14 years, one eight-year-old child, and one two-year-old baby,” said Kalumpang Police Chief Ipda Lukman Rahman in his statement on Tuesday (31/3). The incident occurred in Karama Village, Kalumpang Subdistrict, Mamuju Regency, on Sunday (29/3), beginning when a farmer with initials JS (30) saw a neighbour’s pet dog vomiting. “JS took the dog, slaughtered it, and cooked it, even though the dog had been vomiting,” he revealed. After the dog meat was cooked, several residents consumed it. However, two people who had eaten the meat began to feel nauseous and vomit. “It is suspected that the condition of the five other people who suffered poisoning from the meat grew weaker and worsened, so they were evacuated to the Karama Health Centre,” he explained. After the seven residents suffered poisoning from the dog meat, the community reported the case to the police. The police then conducted an investigation. “The reporter’s opinion is that the preliminary suspicion is that the dog that was slaughtered and consumed was a poisoned dog or had eaten rat poison, because before being slaughtered, the dog was seen vomiting,” he said. Based on statements from local residents, Lukman said that eating dog meat is common among some residents of Karama Village, and this is the first time anyone has suffered poisoning. “Currently, the victims are still undergoing medical treatment after eating the dog meat,” he said. Health Ministry and DPR Warnings Meanwhile, citing detik.com, the Health Ministry and DPR have responded to the dog meat poisoning in Mamuju. “Be careful in consuming animals that are vectors for zoonotic diseases such as rabies, one of which is dogs,” said Head of Communication and Public Information Bureau of the Health Ministry Aji Muhawarman to reporters on Tuesday (31/3/2026). Aji urged the public to ensure that the animals to be consumed are in a healthy condition. Separately, Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the DPR Charles Honoris advised the public not to eat non-consumable meat, including dogs and cats. “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 said to reporters yesterday, citing detik.com. “Consuming 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, it is a serious warning that consuming animals not intended for food poses health risks. He said the incident in Mamuju shows that food security aspects in society still need to be strengthened, especially regarding the sources and types of meat consumed. “Currently, the DPR is also discussing regulations that will prohibit the trade of non-consumable animals, including dogs and cats. This is important to provide legal certainty as well as protect the public,” Charles stated. Charles also encouraged local governments to take concrete steps, one of which is like what has been done in DKI Jakarta. “We also encourage 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.