The practice of eating dog meat is prevalent in many countries across the world, but in Nigeria, Africa, it has become such a common and big business that a special market is set up just for dogs.
Nigeria is now believed to be the world’s third largest dog meat consumer – after South Korea and Vietnam. According to the Dog Friendly Country Index report, Nigeria is number one in Africa in dog meat consumption. In a recent BBC report, Dawaki Market in Plateau State has been described as the largest dog market in Nigeria, where people come from far and wide to buy dogs. Since then its discussion is in full swing.
people come from far away
Here dogs are sold alive or are slaughtered and taken as meat. Traders say that its price remains fixed – small dogs start from $ 25 (about Rs 2,000-2,100) and big dogs go up to $ 40 (about Rs 3,300). Some videos show a range of 20,000 to 26,000 Naira (about Rs 1,000-1,300), but the price depends on the size and quality. Women mainly run businesses in the market. They bring dogs from areas like Cano, where good dogs are available. Its buyers come from all over Nigeria, especially from the South because here ‘404’ (the local code name for dog meat) is considered a delicacy.
Many reasons behind eating dog meat
Taste is the biggest reason for eating this meat (64% of people say), some consider it medicinal (18%), such as detecting poison or spiritual protection. There are also traditional beliefs, especially in states like Plateau, Cross River, Akwa Ibom. But this practice is controversial. Many animal rights organizations call it cruel. Dogs are mostly stray or stolen from homes, brought over long distances in trucks without food and water. In a study, more than 470 dogs were found slaughtered in 6 months in 5 markets of Niger state.
dog meat is dangerous
The risk of rabies in eating this meat is very high, as many dogs are unvaccinated. In a BBC report, a female trader said, “People keep coming, the demand never decreases.” Dogs are seen tied alive in the market, buyers examine them, then decide – take them alive or get them slaughtered. In some places there are ‘dog joints’ restaurants where prepared meat is available. But it is less common in cities like Lagos, while more in Southern and Central Nigeria.