Herefordshire MP, Bill Wiggin wants to ban the consumption of dog meat in any form in the UK. While there is no evidence to suggest that people do eat dogs in the UK, Mr Wiggin believes that a ban in this country will encourage other countries, where the meat is consumed, to consider a ban there too.

Mr Wiggin intends to introduce a bill in Parliament to ban the consumption of dog meat in the UK.

Many people may be surprised that it is not already illegal to eat dog meat and to transport, possess or donate it for the purposes of consumption.

About 30 million dogs are eaten around the world annually - 10 million of those are consumed in China. China is responsible for about a third of all global dog meat consumption, but other countries take part in what I think is a barbaric act, including the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Sudan and Nigeria. The latter consumes the most dog meat on the continent, but rabies is rife, and can be transmitted to humans even after death.

Many countries however believe that eating dog meat brings medicinal advantages, but this is yet to be proven. Countries that have already banned the practice of dog slaughter include the USA, Taiwan and Southern Australia. But what makes the slaughtering of dogs any different to some of the cruel ways other animals are slaughtered such as chickens, cows and lambs? Perhaps it is because we have domesticated certain animals as household pets. However, the dog industry doesn’t just harm the animals involved, but also the workers who often have no choice but to work in the industry due to poverty.

In order for the bill to go ahead, Mr Wiggin will need substantial government support.

In light of this story, The Ross Gazette would like to hear your views on the practice of consuming dogs.

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