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Uzbek
The issue of selling dog meat in Uzbekistan’s cafes and restaurants has once again become a topic of heated debate. Representatives of the animal protection organization Mehr va Oqibat claim that the problem is not only real but also becoming increasingly visible. The organization regularly receives complaints from citizens, including foreigners, about the presence of dog meat dishes on the menus of Uzbek establishments. Yet, no one can say for sure whether there is official permission to sell such dishes in the country.
Where Does the Meat Come From?
In Asian countries where consuming dog meat is legalized, special farms are established for this purpose. However, there are no such farms in Uzbekistan. This raises the question: where does the meat come from? The answer from animal rights activists is shocking: the suppliers are state-run agencies responsible for catching stray animals. This means that both stray dogs and former pets may end up being slaughtered.
Myths About Benefits and Real Risks
Proponents of consuming dog meat claim it has medicinal properties. However, this is a myth not backed by science. Moreover, eating dog meat poses significant health risks. Dogs can carry dangerous viruses that can be transmitted to humans during meat processing or consumption. The risks of contracting rabies, parasites, and other diseases are alarmingly high.
What Do the Laws Say?
The Mehr va Oqibat organization has sent an official inquiry to the State Veterinary Committee and the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service. The questions in the inquiry are straightforward:
- Is the consumption of dog meat allowed in Uzbekistan?
- Are licenses issued to cafes and restaurants that prepare such dishes?
As of the time of writing, animal rights activists have not received answers to these questions.
Urgent Measures Needed
The presence of dog meat on the menus of Uzbek restaurants harms not only the country’s image but also touches on humanitarian and sanitary concerns. Uzbekistan positions itself as a hospitable nation with rich culture and traditions. The open sale of dog meat shocks many tourists and leaves a negative impression.
Animal rights activists call for:
- Strict control over the activities of food establishments
- Enacting laws prohibiting the consumption of dog meat
The issue of selling dog meat dishes involves not only morality but also public safety. While there is no clear position from government authorities, the problem remains unresolved. It is time for Uzbek society to reflect: what kind of future do we envision—one that is humane and safe, or one plagued by issues that have long been resolved in civilized countries?
It’s time to act.
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
