A group of 24 dogs has been saved from a slaughterhouse at Indonesia’s Tomohon “Extreme” Market in North Sulawesi province and airlifted from Indonesia to the United States in pursuit of loving forever homes. These fortunate canines, including Poppy, Romeo, Wendy, Mia, Rocky, and others, were rescued by animal welfare organizations Humane Society International (HSI) and Animal Friends Manado Indonesia (AFMI) following their negotiations that led to a landmark ban on the dog and cat meat trades at the Tomohon market last July.
The rescued dogs, which include Abbie, Lano, Jilly, Oliver, and Root, have been transported by HSI to their care and rehabilitation center near Washington, D.C. Here, they are receiving essential care such as nutritious food, veterinary attention, and time to recover from their harrowing experiences. Once they have completed this initial phase of recovery, they will be placed with shelter and rescue partners before being matched with loving families.
The ban on the dog and cat meat trades at Tomohon Extreme Market, announced last year, prompted swift action from HSI and AFMI campaigners, who managed to save a total of 25 dogs and three cats from being brutally slaughtered for human consumption. Among these rescues was a dog named Daisy, who was subsequently adopted by HSI rescuer Lola Webber, while the three cats also found caring homes on the island. The ban marked a significant milestone in the fight against the cruel trade that sees over 130,000 dogs and countless cats slaughtered annually in public markets across Indonesia’s Sulawesi island alone.
Lola Webber, HSI’s director of Ending Dog Meat campaigns, expressed her joy at the timely change for dogs like Daisy, who narrowly escaped a grim fate. She emphasized the transformative power of love and compassion for animals rescued from such brutality, citing Daisy as living proof of the positive outcomes that await these animals in loving homes. The ban at Tomohon market not only ended the cruel trade there but also disrupted the network of animal traffickers across the entire province.
In addition to their rescue efforts, HSI has been actively involved in campaigning for bans on the dog and cat meat trades in Indonesia, with significant success in 40 cities and regencies so far. The charity aims to achieve further victories in 2024, ultimately working towards a nationwide ban on these trades. The support for this cause has been widespread, with Hollywood and Indonesian stars joining forces to urge President Joko Widodo to implement the ban, reflecting the strong opposition to animal cruelty and exploitation.
The rescued dogs have undergone thorough health assessments and treatments in compliance with national and international regulations. They have been vaccinated, screened for illnesses, and cleared by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention upon arrival in the United States. These efforts ensure the health and well-being of each animal as they embark on their journey to find loving homes.
