Global South World - dogs https://www.globalsouthworld.com en-US Do people still eat dogs? https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/do-people-still-eat-dogs https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/do-people-still-eat-dogs?feed=dogs Sat, 04 Oct 2025 02:06:14 Z For many across the world, the idea of eating dog meat is repulsive and taboo. However, while the vast majority of countries discourage or prohibit the practice, a minority, primarily across parts of Asia and Africa, still report dog meat consumption.

The underlying story involves tradition, changing attitudes, public health , and activist pressure.

Historically, dog meat has been consumed in certain cultures as a source of protein, in ritual contexts, or out of necessity. Today, it persists in Cambodia, China, parts of Northeastern India, Indonesia, Ghana, Laos, Nigeria, South Korea, Switzerland, and Vietnam.

China is often cited as the largest consumer. Although precise numbers are elusive, some estimates place dog slaughter in the tens of millions annually.

In response to global outrage and local activism, cities such as Shenzhen and Zhuhai banned dog (and cat) meat trading in 2020, and China’s Ministry of Agriculture has since reclassified dogs as companion animals rather than livestock .

Vietnam is another notable example—with millions of dogs reportedly processed annually for consumption, often under conditions that raise serious animal welfare and safety concerns.

In South Korea, a long-standing cultural practice is in the process of fading. In January 2024, the Korean National Assembly unanimously passed legislation to ban dog meat production and sale by 2027, giving farmers and traders a transition window.

In Indonesia, although Muslim dietary laws generally regard dog meat as forbidden (haram), it remains in use among certain ethnic groups and regions. Welfare groups estimate that over 1 million dogs per year may be slaughtered in Indonesia for consumption. On Bali alone, 60,000 to 70,000 dogs are reportedly killed annually.

Ghana is among the African nations where dog meat consumption has cultural and ritual significance. Ethnic groups such as the Tallensi, Akyims, Kokis, and Yaakuma have long histories of consuming dog meat.

However, the global momentum appears to be shifting. International pressure, rising awareness of animal welfare, health risks (such as parasites, bacterial infections, and contamination), and changing generational attitudes are all contributing to a decline in the practice.

]]> Global South World The World in Maps The World in Maps Dog meat consumption has a long and controversial history. While most of the world today conside Top dog-populated countries around the world https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/top-dog-populated-countries-around-the-world https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/top-dog-populated-countries-around-the-world?feed=dogs Thu, 22 Aug 2024 20:21:14 Z The phrase “A dog is man’s best friend” as made by Frederick II, King of Prussia (1740–1786) can never be overrated. Dogs go beyond providing companionship to providing emotional support and security.  It's no surprise then that many people around the world would opt first for a dog as an additional member of a family, a pet or a friend. While these fluffy creatures exist in homes all over the world, some countries have particularly high numbers of them.

For some, it may be a cultural connection or simply a love for pets, but whichever it is, some countries stand out for having large dog populations.

Here’s a list of countries where dogs are a significant part of daily life and community.

United States – 90 million

Brazil – 55 million

China – 54.3 million

Japan – 20 million

Russia – 17.6 million

United Kingdom – 12 million

Germany – 10.3 million

India – 10.2 million

Argentina – 10 million

Spain – 9.3 million

]]> Global South World Abigail Johnson Boakye World Visualized Dogs are more than just pets—they’re family, protectors, and cultural icons. The U.S. leads with 90 million pet dogs, where the Labrador Retriever reigns supreme. In Brazil, the Fila Brasileiro is the national pr