In a significant move, the Nagaland government recently banned the sale and consumption of dog meat in the state. The decision comes after large scale appeals and protests by animal rights groups who raised concerns over cruelty to animals.
Chief secretary Temjen Toy said in a tweet on Friday: “The state government has decided to ban commercial import and trading of dogs and dog markets and also the sale of dog meat, both cooked and uncooked. Appreciate the wise decision taken by the state’s cabinet.”
The decision to ban commercial import and trading of dogs, and sale of dog meat, both cooked and raw, was taken during a state cabinet meeting, said state parliamentary affairs minister Neiba Kronu.
Considering the dangers of importing dogs from other states for consumption and also in line with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the state cabinet took the decision, Kronu, who is the spokesperson of the government, said.
The government also decided to ban commercial import and trading of pigs with immediate effect, he said. The state already banned the import of pigs following the outbreak of swine fever in the region and the cabinet gave approval to it in the meeting, he said.
