Institute of Community Sustainability Calls for Ban on Slaughter and Consumption of Cats and Dogs in Ghana
The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has urged an immediate ban on the slaughter and consumption of cats and dogs in Ghana, describing the practice as a threat to public health and societal values.
In a press release issued on February 23, 2026, the Executive Director of ICS, Eric Jerry Aidoo, emphasized that cats and dogs should be regarded as family companions and protectors, not livestock.
According to the organisation, beyond moral concerns, the unregulated handling and consumption of cat and dog meat poses serious health risks, including the spread of rabies, trichinellosis, and cholera.
ICS is calling on the Minister of Health to enforce a total ban on the slaughter of cats and dogs for human consumption, criminalize the trade and sale of such meat, and implement a nationwide public health education campaign on the associated zoonotic risks.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a sustainable and compassionate society and called on the media and the public to support the campaign.
Press Release Excerpt:
Cats and Dogs Are Family, Not Meat
The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS), led by Executive Director Eric Jerry Aidoo, officially opposes the consumption of cats and dogs in Ghana. These animals are vital members of our homes and society, not livestock.
The Role of Cats and Dogs in Society
- Family Companions: Providing emotional support to children, the elderly, and households.
- Security Guides: Serving as protectors and early warning systems for homes and businesses.
Treating these animals as food diminishes their value and undermines the social fabric of our communities.
Public Health Risks
Consumption of cat and dog meat presents serious risks to human health due to unregulated slaughter and handling, including:
- Rabies: A fatal viral disease often transmitted through infected dogs.
- Trichinellosis: A dangerous parasitic infection from contaminated meat.
- Cholera: Spread through unsanitary conditions in the illegal animal meat trade.
Call to Action
ICS is formally urging the Minister of Health to take the following actions:
- Total Ban: Immediate prohibition of cat and dog slaughter for human consumption.
- Criminalization: Legislation to criminalize the trade, transport, and sale of cat and dog meat.
- Public Awareness: A national campaign to educate citizens about the zoonotic risks associated with these meats.
Eric Jerry Aidoo stated, “We cannot sit idly by while public health is at risk and our loyal companions are mistreated. Cats and dogs are our family; they deserve protection, not the slaughterhouse.”
ICS remains committed to building a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate Ghana and urges the media and public to join in this vital cause.
Signed,
Eric Jerry Aidoo
Executive Director
Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS)
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