ADO EKITI – Dog prices have soared in the Ekiti State of Nigeria, following a surge in the consumption of dog meat by residents.
More people have increasingly turned to dog meat for their nutrition in spite of the taboo hitherto associated with the consumption of dog meat in the community.
This has caused a sudden disappearance of dogs from the streets in Ekiti State, Vanguardngr.com reported.
In Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, Emure- Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Otun Ekiti new dog slaughter slabs have sprung up as the residents devour the meat in homes, restaurants and beer parlours.
Residents say no fewer than 20 of such slaughter slabs exist in Ado Ekiti alone. “A good number of beer parlours and relaxation centres now make pepper soup and suya from dog meat.
“Because of the high rate of consumption of dog meat, it is now difficult to see dogs on the street and their cost have risen astronomically,” a resident told the website, seeking anonymity.
Three-months-old dogs previously sold for as low as N500, now attract up to N3,000, while adult go for between N6,000 and N15,000 depending on the size.
A veterinary doctor, Kunle Adeyemi warned against excessive consumption of the meat, saying it was “risky and injurious to health” due to rabies content in dog flesh and blood.
Ekiti State
Ekiti is a state in western Nigeria, declared a state on 1 October 1996 alongside five others by the military under the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha.
The state, carved out of the territory of old Ondo State, covers the former twelve local government areas that made up the Ekiti Zone of old Ondo State.
Ekiti State is one of the thirty-six states (Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)) that constitute Nigeria. It is reputed to have produced the highest number of professors in Nigeria.
‘Dog slaughter’
Although the practice remains taboo in much of Europe, North America and the Islamic world, the consumption of dog meat is relatively commonplace, especially in Asian countries like China, Vietnam and South Korea.
According to an estimate, a staggering 30 million dogs are slaughtered for meat every year around the world, the majority of them in China.
In China, moreover, the city of Yulin’s annual dog meat celebration sees thousands of the animals slaughtered for food every June.
