Kupang, Indonesia – A dog slaughterhouse owner and a dog meat restaurant owner in Nusa Tenggara Timur province have permanently closed their businesses as part of a local drive to end the dog meat trade. Both traders worked with Humane World for Animals through the Models for Change program, which helps dog and cat meat traders in Asia switch to sustainable livelihoods. Ten dogs found alive at the slaughterhouse were rescued by Humane World for Animals and Jakarta Animal Aid Network.

NTT province is a hotspot for dog meat, with thousands of dogs taken from streets and homes each year. The trade poses severe animal welfare concerns and facilitates the spread of rabies, which caused 78 confirmed human cases in 2025. The program aligns with the provincial government’s goal of making NTT rabies-free by 2030.

Julie Sanders, campaign director for Humane World for Animals, said: “Every dog or cat meat business that shuts down as part of Models for Change represents a tangible step toward eliminating this cruel trade, safeguarding animal welfare and protecting communities nationwide from the risk of rabies transmission.”

The traders received financial and business support to transition to new livelihoods. Mr. Petrus Boly, who ran a dog slaughterhouse for over 15 years, plans to open a general store selling household necessities. Mr. Akim, formerly a dog meat restaurant owner, will sell building materials.

Mr. Boly said: “When I think about the thousands of dogs I have killed… it makes me very sad and I’m very happy to be moving out of the trade. I now look forward to opening my general store… but no more dog meat!”

Dr. Melky Angsar of the NTT Animal Husbandry Office said: “The dog meat trade poses a significant and serious public health threat… Our communities will be safer and healthier without the dog meat trade.”

The rescued dogs received veterinary care and will be flown to JAAN’s shelter in Jakarta to recover before adoption. Humane World for Animals and JAAN hope the closures will foster compassion and raise awareness about the risks of the dog meat trade.

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