The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has announced plans to file a case at the Supreme Court seeking the enforcement of existing laws against the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats in Ghana.
In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said it wants the apex court to ensure the strict enforcement of Section 303 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 1998 (Act 554), which it says prohibits the practice.
According to ICS, dogs and cats are increasingly being subjected to cruel slaughter for human consumption across parts of the country, a situation it described as unacceptable.
The organisation argued that companion animals should not be treated as food, stressing that they are intelligent, emotionally aware and form strong bonds with their owners.
ICS also raised concerns about the public health implications of consuming dog and cat meat, warning that unregulated slaughter and handling of the animals could increase the risk of zoonotic diseases, including rabies.
The institute further noted that, unlike livestock such as cattle, goats, pigs, poultry and fish, Ghana has no recognised or regulated farms for breeding dogs and cats for human consumption.
It said the absence of such farms suggests that many of the animals being slaughtered may have been stolen from households, contributing to a growing problem of pet theft and illegal trade.
Executive Director of ICS, Eric Jerry Aidoo, popularly known as Chairman Jerry, said the organisation is determined to use the legal process to protect companion animals and promote public safety.
“Dogs and cats have proven to be loyal companions and vital members of our households. The widespread theft and cruel slaughter of these animals must end. We are calling on the highest court of the land to uphold the law and protect both our animals and our public health,” he said.
ICS said it remains committed to promoting legal compliance, environmental sustainability and the welfare of companion animals across Ghana.
Read the statement below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28/07/2025
​Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) Heads to Supreme Court to Enforce Ban on Dog and Cat Meat Consumption in Ghana
​ The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) is officially taking legal action by heading to the Supreme Court of Ghana to demand the strict enforcement of Section 303 of the Criminal Offenses Act (Act 29), as amended by the Criminal Code Amendment Act, 1998 (Act 554), regarding the illegal slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats.
​Across the country, dogs and cats are subjected to brutal slaughter for human consumption. ICS firmly asserts that companion animals are not food,they are family. Like humans, these animals possess intelligence, emotional capacity, and strong bonds with their households. They deserve legal protection, not exploitation.
​Beyond the ethical issues, the consumption of dog and cat meat poses severe public health risks. Unregulated slaughter and handling of companion animals significantly increase the exposure to deadly zoonotic diseases, including rabies, posing a direct threat to public safety and community well-being.
Unlike livestock, such as goats, pigs, poultry, cattle, or fish, there are no regulated or recognized dog or cat farms in Ghana.
This absence strongly indicates that a vast majority of consumed pets are stolen from loving families, highlighting an uncontrolled rise in animal theft and illegal trade across communities.
​”Dogs and cats have proven to be loyal companions and vital members of our households,” said Eric Jerry Aidoo, aka Chairman Jerry, Executive Director of ICS.
The widespread theft and cruel slaughter of these animals must end. We are calling on the highest court of the land to uphold the law and protect both our animals and our public health.
​The Institute of Community Sustainability remains committed to advocating for legal compliance, environmental welfare, and the protection of companion animals across Ghana.
​Eric Jerry Aidoo
Executive Director, Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS)
Phone: +233 244759818
READ ALSO:
Several feared dead after vehicle crashes into pedestrians at Bukom Junction
Do your job well and fear no change in government – NEIP CEO to appointees
