Ashanti Residents Reject ICS Call To Ban Dog And Cat Meat Consumption.
Some sections of residents in the Ashanti Region have rejected calls by the Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) for a nationwide ban on the consumption of dog and cat meat.
The Institute, led by its Executive Director, Eric Jerry Aidoo, has urged the government to immediately prohibit the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats in Ghana, citing serious public health and ethical concerns.
According to ICS, dogs and cats should be recognised as companion animals rather than livestock, and therefore must not be subjected to slaughter for human consumption.
The organization further warned that the unregulated handling and slaughter of these animals could expose the public to dangerous diseases, including rabies, trichinellosis, and cholera.
It stressed that such practices pose a significant threat to public health and could endanger entire communities if left unchecked.
However, in interviews conducted in Kumasi, some residents expressed contrary views, arguing that instead of an outright ban, there should be intensified public education on safe and hygienic preparation methods.
They maintained that with proper regulation, inspection, and awareness creation, potential health risks could be minimized, insisting that cultural practices and personal dietary choices should also be respected.
The debate has since sparked mixed reactions within the region, with opinions divided between public health advocacy and cultural considerations.
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