The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) has raised alarm over the exposure of unsuspecting members of the public to dog meat, calling for stringent measures to address the illicit trade. VAZ President Malcolm Chiyoba emphasized the need for strengthened laws to regulate the sale of meat intended for public consumption, citing gaps in existing legislation.
Dr. Chiyoba underscored the importance of requiring sellers to produce valid meat inspection certificates before selling meat to the public, advocating for the revision of outdated legislation such as The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. He emphasized that animals intended for meat should only be slaughtered at designated facilities under veterinary supervision.
Furthermore, Dr. Chiyoba urged for the expedited enactment of the Animal Welfare Act to modernize the legal framework and deter illicit activities. He warned of the potential underground business of dog breeding, expressing concerns over the sale of dog meat disguised as other meats to unsuspecting customers.
“Dogs have serious zoonotic diseases, and their consumption exposes humans to the risk of diseases such as rabies, Trichinella, Cryptosporidium, and other parasites,” Dr. Chiyoba cautioned.
Sheila Oparaocha, Vice Chairperson for Lusaka Welfare Society and representative of Zambian Animal Welfare Organizations, echoed Dr. Chiyoba’s concerns, highlighting the health risks associated with consuming dog meat. She condemned the continued sale of unvaccinated dogs to the public, stressing that it is not a part of Zambian culture and increases the risk of rabies transmission.
Dr. Oparaocha called on VAZ to provide guidance to professionals in both the government and private sectors to address the issue effectively. She emphasized the deep connection between the well-being of humans and animals, urging for collective efforts to safeguard public health and animal welfare.
The Consortium of Animal Welfare Societies in Zambia joined the call for action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combatting the illegal trade of dog meat and protecting both humans and animals from health risks associated with unregulated consumption.
The Laws to address that exist. It’s the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that all business outlets comply with the Law and in this case that all foods are fit for human consumption. LCC charges K1,660 for a annual business permit for small businesses, K450 for a fire permit and K3,385 health permit for a small business. Booths are required to pay K875 and they’ve made it compulsory. What do they use this money for? If you get to Soweto market before dawn you’ll find security guards offloading sacks of dead chickens from poultry farms meant for disposal. This is what people eat at cheap restaurants at K10 nsima plus bevula. Systems have collapsed which is a sign of failed governance
You are fighting a losing battle because the entire upnd govt are dogs including their president. Eeeembwa
Those in picture are people from Lumezi waiting for their MP Munio Zulu and his brother.
@ Nostradumus. You cracked my ribs!!!
Mother fakaz
Ba VET socially cultural practices evolve over time through acculturation as a result of increased global mobility which results into changes in language, dressing, living conditions, lifestyle choices and foods eaten, rather than being alarmist why is it that your counterparts across are silent. Its part of their menu. So let’s go into dog farming for export market is mbwee.
Congo can eat GMO and ZNS is helping them big time to source this type of mealie meal. I think the same ZNS must have kept that dog meat for the same DRC market, but fell in wrong hands. Perhaps, it was just stolen from one of their depots no wonder the meat is now strewn all over Zambia. The Congolese export food (imbwa na uusu) is definitely Zambia’s poison.
Wow , Zambia really did go to the dogs during the rotten 10yr reign of PF.
Abnormal things continue to manifest. This is not a good state of affairs.