HSI is fighting the cruel dog and cat meat trade in countries across Asia. Here’s how we’re working to achieve change.

Ending the dog and cat meat trade is a complex challenge that demands an in-depth understanding of local contexts and a multi-layered strategy. In South Korea, Viet Nam and India, HSI has team members on the ground advocating for legislative changes and increased protections for animals. In China, we collaborate with our partner Vshine and support local animal protection groups through public education campaigns, advocacy and direct rescues led by local law enforcement. In Indonesia, HSI is a founding member of the Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition, which spearheads the campaign to end the dog and cat meat trade in that country.

Changing laws

A key goal for HSI is introducing laws that permanently ban the trade. Thanks to advocacy by HSI/Korea and other local groups, we achieved a landmark ruling in 2024 of a ban on the dog meat industry in South Korea which comes into force in 2027.

In Indonesia, as part of the DMFI coalition, HSI works with local law enforcement to stop dog traffickers, close slaughterhouses and encourage local governments to introduce bans. So far, over 50 local bans have been enacted across the country. We are now striving for national legislation to end the trade.

In China, while foreign NGOs cannot lobby the government directly, Chinese animal groups supported by HSI engage with policymakers to crack down on the trade. The hope is that the National People’s Congress will in the future pass animal welfare legislation, reflecting the growing sentiment in China against the dog and cat meat trade.

In Viet Nam, HSI/Viet Nam has partnered with the provincial governments of Dong Nai and Thai Nguyen to the end the dog and cat meat trade in these provinces through our Models for Change program and by enforcing existing laws and regulations to restrict the dog and cat meat trade.

Meanwhile, in India, HSI is focusing on addressing the dog meat trade in Northeast India, where the trade continues to be prevalent. HSI’s exposé of the cruel trade in Nagaland revealed the smuggling of over 30,000 street dogs and stolen pets annually for slaughter for the dog meat trade.

While the dog and cat meat trade still exists in several countries in Asia it is important to note that most people in Asia do not consume dog or cat meat, neither do they see this practice as part of their culture, with local opposition to the trade significantly growing.

Dog and cat meat bans are already in place in Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and in some cities in mainland China, Cambodia and Indonesia. The goal of ending the dog and cat meat trade across Asia is becoming increasingly achievable and HSI is working tirelessly towards this goal.

Rescuing dogs and cats from the meat trade

The dog and cat meat trade across Asia subjects millions of animals to suffering, and while rescue efforts are crucial, they alone cannot end this cruel industry. However, wherever possible, we partner with local organizations to save the lives of animals trapped in the trade.

In South Korea, HSI/Korea has rescued over 2,500 dogs from meat farms and markets. These animals endured horrific conditions, confined to small metal cages, deprived of adequate food, water and medical care, and exposed to harsh weather. HSI works with farmers willing to leave the industry, helping them close their dog meat farms. The dogs on the farms that we’ve closed have been flown to the United States, Canada, the U.K. and the Netherlands, where they have found adoptive homes through our shelter and rescue partners. A small number of dogs have been adopted in South Korea. Many of our rescue dogs become ambassadors, raising awareness of the cruelty they’ve faced and the need to end the dog and cat meat trade.

Our Models for Change program, active in South Korea and Viet Nam, supports dog and cat meat trade workers in transitioning to humane livelihoods such as vegetable farming or, if elderly, retiring from work. By closing dog and cat meat businesses, we not only rescue animals but also break the cycle of suffering, preventing further animals from being reared and slaughtered in the future. In addition to saving lives, this approach demonstrates to governments that ending the trade is a feasible and humane solution.

Stopping the dog traffickers

In Indonesia, more than one million dogs are illegally stolen, trafficked, slaughtered and sold for human consumption every year. Without a nationwide ban, the relevant laws and regulations that can be applied have weak penalties, and enforcement is rare, which enables the traders to continue to operate. DMFI campaigners work with law enforcement agencies as well as local and regional officials to introduce local bans and help the authorities crack down on the trade. As a direct result of this strategy, we’ve worked with police to intercept trucks smuggling dogs, and we have seen the country’s first ever convictions for dog traffickers. Likewise, our partner in China Vshine works with law enforcement agencies to stop the trucks and has achieved convictions for dog traffickers while rescuing dogs and cats from the meat trade.

Exposing the cruelty

Our work shining a spotlight on the suffering endured by dogs and cats for the meat trade is a powerful tool in changing hearts and minds. In South Korea, our strategy of inviting media to attend our dog farm rescues and witness the conditions first-hand has shone a much-needed spotlight on the cruelty involved in the industry. Showing the grim reality of the industry to the public and politicians played a key part in creating momentum for the nationwide ban passed in 2024. Likewise, in Indonesia our DMFI investigations have exposed the appalling cruelty endured by these animals, including those at markets where they are routinely bludgeoned and blow torched in front of each other. Our investigations result in national and international media headlines, which, in turn, support our campaign work on the ground and increase momentum for change.

Public awareness campaigning

Most people across Asia do not consume dog or cat meat, and growing awareness about the cruelty involved is fueling support to end the trade. In countries like South Korea, China and Indonesia, public interest in dog and cat meat consumption is already very low or rapidly declining, especially among younger generations who increasingly view dogs and cats as companions and not food.

Working with partner organizations such as KARA in South Korea and DMFI in Indonesia, HSI is involved in peaceful public demonstrations advocating for the protection of dogs and cats from the meat trade. These efforts are bolstered by impactful nationwide PR campaigns that raise awareness and encourage change. Community outreach is also central to our strategy, as we emphasize the unique bond between humans and dogs and cats, fostering a stronger public demand to bring an end to this cruel practice.

A promise to keep fighting

HSI’s promise to these animals and our advocates is that we will not rest until the dog and cat meat trade ends. Join us in our fight to stop this and other cruelty. .