City dog pulutan likely unfit to eat

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY — The City Veterinary’s Office warned last week dog meat sold here and served as pulutan in some restaurants specializing in the delicacy maybe dangerous for human consumption because most of these do not go through the proper process of meat inspection.

Dr. Brigit Piok, city veterinarian, said dog meat sold in the market is highly questionable and, thus, dog meat lovers should take the necessary precautions to prevent them from contracting illnesses related to eating the favorite delicacy in the Cordillera.

She added aside from violating provisions of Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act, dog meat lovers are exposed to extreme danger considering they do not know whether or not these are free from diseases that pose a serious threat to health.

Piok said dog meat eaters could easily contract diseases like rabies since the dog meat supply being sneaked into the city from the lowlands do not pass through the required quarantine inspections conducted by the National Meat Inspection Service and CVO.

She said consumers of dog meat served as exotic menu and pulutan in many restaurants in the city may not be safe since parasites from poorly cooked meat can be easily transmitted to humans.

While the law allows butchering of dogs and serving of dog meat during indigenous rituals, Piok said dog meat trade is prohibited.

Most illegal dog meat traders are being apprehended by law enforcers while they transport the meat for from the lowlands to the city proper.

Piok said her office still receives reports that dog meat is rampantly traded in the city public market from underground traders who usually ply their trade under the noses of government inspectors.