Progress! Indonesia Takes Historic Step Toward Banning Dog and Cat Meat Trade
The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia has just taken a major step forward in the fight against the nation’s dog and cat meat trade by determining that a draft law on the Protection and Welfare of Animals will be included in the 2026 Priority National Legislation Program, known in Indonesia as Prolegnas.
The bill, which is widely regarded as a breakthrough opportunity to strengthen protections for animals in the country and finally bring an end to the brutal dog and cat meat trades, already enjoys cross-party political backing. This unprecedented level of support represents a historic consensus that these practices are both a threat to public health and an affront to the growing recognition of animal welfare as a national priority.
Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) welcomed the announcement, calling it a milestone moment in their years-long campaign to end the killing and consumption of dogs and cats. National Director Karin Franken described the inclusion of the bill as “historic momentum,” signaling the strongest national commitment yet to addressing this issue. In support of the bill, DMFI leaders met with key members of parliament, including Deputy Chairperson of the DPR RI Baleg, Sturman Panjaitan, and Deputy Chairman of Commission IX, Charles Honoris. Both lawmakers voiced their readiness to work with advocates to stop the dog and cat meat trades, with Panjaitan noting: “We are ready to accept input from DMFI and will take this issue to the Public Hearing Meeting. The ban on the dog meat trade is proposed to be a separate chapter in this bill.”
The vast majority of Indonesians do not eat dog or cat meat, and for years local governments across the country have issued regulations restricting or discouraging the trade. To date, more than one hundred districts and cities have already taken action, showing that opposition to the pet meat industry is not only growing but spreading across the country. If passed, this bill would be Indonesia’s first nationwide ban on the dog and cat meat trade, offering hope for countless animals and protecting public health. It would also position Indonesia as a regional leader on the issue, creating momentum for other Southeast Asian nations to take action.
Thank you for joining Species Unite in calling on Indonesia to end the cruel cat meat trade. Help us reach our goal of 10,000 signatures by sharing the petition with your networks so we can help bring more attention to this issue before this important bill is considered.