Rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination. Dogs are a significant source of human rabies deaths through bites or scratches from infected dogs. The most effective way of eradicating rabies in humans is to eliminate the virus in dogs. Mass canine vaccination is vital, but so too is ensuring that vaccinated dogs remain in their localities once vaccinated to facilitate herd immunity. Herd immunity comes about when a large percentage of the dog population in a given area has been vaccinated and is immune to the virus. As a result, rabies spreads far more slowly or stops altogether because the number of dogs susceptible to it is greatly reduced.
This herd immunity, and therefore the eradication of rabies, is virtually impossible to achieve if dogs continue to be stolen from one locality, trafficked to another, and slaughtered for the dog meat trade. When dog meat traders capture and take vaccinated dogs from their communities, the overall number of immune dogs decreases, lowering the population’s herd immunity and putting the remaining dogs—and people—at risk of rabies. Also, the handling, slaughter and consumption of infected dogs poses a direct threat to human health. Only an estimated 4.5% of Indonesia’s population consumes dog meat, yet the trade puts the entire country at risk.
To mark World Rabies Day this year, Humane Society International sponsored an event, “World Rabies Day and Animal Welfare,” with our partner Jakarta Animal Aid Network, which included a donation of 1,000 rabies vaccinations for local dogs. Held in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and other local entities, the event focused on reducing rabies and the dog meat trade in East Nusa Tenggara. Experts, including Dr. Claudia Edwards from Humane Society InternationaI/Mexico, spoke to community leaders and the public about the connection between the dog meat trade and the spread of rabies.
Dr. Edwards emphasized the need to address this trade as part of a broader strategy to combat rabies in local communities. Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, so to help them understand how to keep safe, the event also included the distribution of books about animal welfare and rabies awareness. Dr. Edwards was particularly moved by the families who brought their dogs to the event to be vaccinated against rabies. “They were visibly proud to be there, and their enthusiasm was evident as they actively engaged in reading their dogs' body language, which helped them anticipate and reduce any discomfort their pets might feel,” she said. “After the vaccination, they put their dogs' collars back on with smiles on their faces and handed out treats to ensure the experience was pleasant for their pets.” Dr. Edwards added that local authorities, too, showed enthusiasm and engagement in combating rabies, which strengthens her hope that real progress can be made.
The momentum to end the dog and cat meat trades in Indonesia is immense. Across the country, more than 60 jurisdictions have already issued regulations restricting the trades. In July 2023, we were successful in ending the brutal dog and cat meat slaughter at the notorious Tomohon Extreme Market on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, following a years-long campaign by Dog Meat Free Indonesia including HSI and local activists and world celebrities. With a new president taking office later this month, there are renewed hopes of securing a national ban on the dog and cat meat trades.
We are committed to raising awareness about the cruelties and dangers of the dog and cat meat trades in Indonesia and throughout the region for as long as it takes to end them for good. You can join us by making a donation to help all animals and by signing our action alert to end the dog and cat meat trades in Indonesia.
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