Indonesia: Dog Slaughterhouse & Restaurant Close in Rabies-Free Push

Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara Timur Province Sees Progress in Ending Dog Meat Trade with Livelihood Program

Kupang, Indonesia – A significant step toward ending the controversial dog meat trade in Indonesia has been taken in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province, with a dog slaughterhouse and a dog meat restaurant permanently closing their doors. The closures, announced March 17, 2026, are part of the “Models for Change” program spearheaded by Humane World for Animals and Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JANN), offering alternative livelihoods to those previously involved in the trade. This initiative aims to not only improve animal welfare but also address the serious public health risk of rabies, a persistent problem in the region.

A Shift in Livelihoods, A Step Toward Rabies Control

The two businesses, operating for a combined 45 years, have ceased operations with the support of the program. Ten dogs found alive at the slaughterhouse have been rescued and will be available for adoption after undergoing quarantine. The program focuses on providing financial and business support to help traders transition to more sustainable and humane occupations. Petrus Boly, the former slaughterhouse owner, plans to open a convenience store, stating, “When I think about the thousands of dogs I killed in the last 15 years, it makes me sad. I’m very happy to be moving out of the trade. Dog slaughter is dangerous due to the risk of rabies so this opportunity came at the right time in my life.”

NTT province has long been identified as a hotspot for the dog meat trade, with thousands of dogs annually stolen, trafficked, or sold into the industry. This practice isn’t just considered cruel; it significantly contributes to the spread of rabies. According to reports, NTT recorded 78 confirmed human cases of rabies in 2025, highlighting the severity of the public health concern. The Models for Change program directly supports the provincial government’s goal of achieving a rabies-free NTT by 2030.

The Models for Change Program: How It Works

The Models for Change program, already implemented in South Korea, Viet Nam, and India, represents a proactive approach to tackling the dog and cat meat trade. Rather than simply shutting down businesses, the program recognizes the economic realities faced by those involved and offers viable alternatives. This includes financial assistance, business training, and support in establishing new ventures. Humane World for Animals details this approach on their website, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions.

Julie Sanders, campaign director for Humane World for Animals, emphasized the significance of these closures: “Every business that shuts down as part of Models for Change represents a tangible step toward eliminating the cruel dog meat trade, safeguarding animal welfare and protecting communities from the risk of rabies.” Karin Franken, director of JANN, added, “These closures demonstrate that if financial and business support is provided, people are willing and keen to move out of the cruel and dangerous dog meat trade.”

The Broader Context: Dog Meat Consumption in Indonesia

While dog meat consumption exists in certain parts of Indonesia, it is not a widespread practice. The trade primarily affects dogs stolen from streets and homes in NTT and neighboring provinces. The movement of these dogs facilitates the spread of rabies, a deadly disease transmitted through dog bites. The JAAN Domestic organization, in collaboration with Humane World for Animals, is actively working to educate communities in NTT about the risks of rabies and the importance of animal welfare through their “BEBAS RABIES NTT” program (Free from Rabies NTT).

Confirmed vs. Unclear Details

Confirmed: Two dog meat businesses (a slaughterhouse and a restaurant) in NTT province have closed as part of the Models for Change program. Ten dogs were rescued from the slaughterhouse. The program is supported by Humane World for Animals, and JANN. Petrus Boly, the former slaughterhouse owner, is transitioning to a convenience store. NTT province reported 78 confirmed human rabies cases in 2025. The program aims to contribute to the government’s goal of a rabies-free NTT by 2030.

Unclear: The specific financial details of the support provided to the traders were not provided. The exact number of dogs trafficked annually into NTT province remains unclear. The long-term success rate of the alternative livelihoods established through the program has not been independently confirmed. Details regarding the quarantine process for the rescued dogs were not specified.

What Happens Next?

The immediate next steps involve the quarantine and eventual adoption of the ten rescued dogs. Humane World for Animals and JANN will continue to implement the Models for Change program, seeking to engage with and support more traders in NTT province. The success of this initiative will likely influence the expansion of the program to other regions of Indonesia where the dog meat trade persists. Continued monitoring of rabies cases in NTT will be crucial to assess the program’s impact on public health. Further information and resources, including photos and videos, are available here.