Concerns raised by the Institute of Community Sustainability over the consumption of dog and cat meat have been firmly rejected by the Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Abas Apaak.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Apaak, who also serves as the Global President of the Dog Meat Eaters Association (DOGMEA), urged members of the association to disregard the Institute’s call, describing it as unwarranted.
“As the Global President of the Dog Meat Eaters Association [DOGMEA], I urge all members to treat the call by the Institute of Community Sustainability with the contempt it deserves,” he stated.
Questioning the basis of the Institute’s arguments, Dr Apaak challenged claims of potential health risks associated with the practice.
“What do they mean by health concerns? Have we, the dog and cat meat consumers, reported health issues to them? And don’t people who do not eat dog and cat meat also have health issues?” he asked.
He also dismissed ethical objections, arguing that cultural context must be respected.
“Ethical concerns? Whose ethics and by whose standards? We, the consumers of dog and cat meat, are guided by the ethics passed down by our ancestors,” he said, adding that traditional values inform what communities consider acceptable and moral.
Dr Apaak emphasised that the consumption of dog and cat meat is deeply rooted in culture and identity.
“We consume dog and cat meat because it is part of our culture, heritage and tradition. It is part of our identity,” he noted, describing food as a key expression of cultural heritage and social bonding.
He concluded by encouraging members of DOGMEA to continue the practice without fear or apology.
“I urge members to boldly and fearlessly consume these special delicacies. We are proud of our heritage; we are proud of our culture. It is our birthright to consume dog and cat meat,” he said.
