Should we allow the eating of dog and cat meat?

[Zelenius]

By "we", I mean the First World nations of the Western hemisphere, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, places where the culture is ultimately derived from Europe, and generally forbids the consumption of dogs and cats, even if only recently.

Granted, there are are a few places in Europe where people eat dogs and cats, but it is mostly restricted to poor, rural populations or very poor Roma People. It is illegal or very restricted in most European countries. However, the consumption of dog and cat meat does appear to be much more widespread and tolerated in much of east Asia, especially China, Korea and some countries of South East Asia. There are groups in these countries trying to ban it, so I realize not all east Asians eat dog or cat meat.

It seems that the main reason westerners do not eat dogs or cats is due to traditions(some of them religious - Judaism and Islam forbid the eating of dogs and cats) that designate what animals are for companionship(or in earlier times, as "work" animals), and what animals are for eating. Even people who love eating cows are often horrified over the idea of people eating dogs or cats. This seems hypocritical to me(I'm a vegetarian). Ultimately, what I am asking is why is it okay to allow the eating cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, and sheep("farm animals"), but not dogs and cats? Are there any good scientific or sociological reasons for doing so, beyond the possible health problems due to the effects of biomagnification in the flesh of carnivores(dogs, cats) as opposed to herbivores(cows)?

I am not trying to judge anyone here or persuade them to become a vegetarian. I just want to know the reasons for condemning the eating of one type of animal, but not others, and if there are good reasons for this, beyond tradition. Would the consequences of tolerating the eating of dog and cat meat be so terrible?

 

[JJM 777]

Is their meat provenly unhealthy? If not, I have nothing against someone else eating it. Not interested personally.

 

[Wuglife]

Cats and dogs are used in the manufacture of food for other cats and dogs.

Meat rendering plants process animal by-product materials for the production of tallow, grease, and high-protein meat and bone meal. Plants that operate in conjunction with animal slaughterhouses or poultry processing plants are called integrated rendering plants. Plants that collect their raw materials from a variety of offsite sources are called independent rendering plants. Independent plants obtain animal by-product materials, including grease, blood, feathers, offal, and entire animal carcasses, from the following sources: butcher shops, supermarkets, restaurants, fast-food chains, poultry processors, slaughterhouses, farms, ranches, feedlots, and animal shelters.

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ap42/ch09/final/c9s05-3.pdf

 

[Caper]

I can't argue about cats. But the way we breed dogs, to be so interconnected to us humans, is what separates them from cows.

 

[Wuglife]

I can't argue about cats. But the way we breed dogs, to be so interconnected to us humans, is what separates them from cows.

Well thousands and thousands of healthy dogs are killed every year. Is it somehow better to kill the dog and throw his body away, versus eating it?

 

[Ryokan]

I can't argue about cats. But the way we breed dogs, to be so interconnected to us humans, is what separates them from cows.

But then, the dogs eaten in some Asian countries are not pet dogs, they're especially bred and raised to be slaughtered for meat - just like cows.

 

[Ryokan]

What animals can be eaten and which are taboo varies from country to country and culture to culture. What's acceptable in one, is unacceptable in another.

Just look at the animosity some people show when I say one of my favorite dishes is grandma's whale steak.

And my favorite sausage to put on bread includes horse meat.

 

[desertgal]

http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155444

 

[Greedo]

I'm a cat owner myself, and I realize, that were I not brought up in a society where cats are cute pets, I'd probably have a different (emotional) response than "NOOO".

I can think of one reason. If consumption of cat meat suddenly became acceptable, people would have to fear their pets being stolen or shot.

 

[Wuglife]

I'm a cat owner myself, and I realize, that were I not brought up in a society where cats are cute pets, I'd probably have a different (emotional) response than "NOOO".

I can think of one reason. If consumption of cat meat suddenly became acceptable, people would have to fear their pets being stolen or shot.

Only as much as people with pet rabbits would have to worry about their rabbits being stolen or shot, or people with pet pigs, or people with pet goats, or people with pet ducks.

 

[Greedo]

Only as much as people with pet rabbits would have to worry about their rabbits being stolen or shot, or people with pet pigs, or people with pet goats, or people with pet ducks.

Because everyone lets their rabbits run around freely.

 

[timhau]

I don't really see why eating dogs should be illegal -- we're eating pork, and yet people keep miniature pigs as pets (and I don't think miniature pig owners worry about their pets being stolen because someone wants pork chops). My uncle, who used to have a few pigs on his farm, says that not only are they at least as intelligent as dogs, they also have individual personalities. This is why he gave up keeping pigs and switched to turkeys, who create homicidal urges even in a laid-back man.

Cats are, naturally, off-limits because you're only supposed to eat lower animals.

 

[Caper]

But then, the dogs eaten in some Asian countries are not pet dogs, they're especially bred and raised to be slaughtered for meat - just like cows.

I was going to make that point, but I wasn't sure. So the I went on Wikipedia and looked it up.... Then I just start looking up other stuff and forgot about this. If that's the case... I have less a problem with it.

 

[fishbait]

But then, the dogs eaten in some Asian countries are not pet dogs, they're especially bred and raised to be slaughtered for meat - just like cows.

Wok your dog?

 

[Aepervius]

But then, the dogs eaten in some Asian countries are not pet dogs, they're especially bred and raised to be slaughtered for meat - just like cows.

and they do not taste very good either : too stringy with a strong wild aftertaste.

Never tried cat meat but i doubt it would be any better and i love cat so there is psychological barrier (probably non passable) barrier i did not have with dogs.

 

[TragicMonkey]

It would be interesting to discover if tastes vary by breed, and recipes are done accordingly.

"No, no, no, Kevin! You can't serve red wine with Golden Retriever steaks! White!"
"Can I get the caesar salad with fried beagle strips instead of fried dalmatian? Dalmatian's too spicy for me."
"Oh my god I'm going to be sick. They put mayonnaise on my poodle sandwich!"
"Taco Bell has new Zesty Southwestern Chihuahua Wings!"

 

[Dymanic]

Dog is a fine meal.

 

[TragicMonkey]

Funny, but I was thinking about getting a dog eventually, and the names I like are all food items. Mr Pickles, Waffles, Taco, Doughnut.

 

[Darat]

By "we", I mean the First World nations of the Western hemisphere, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, places where the culture is ultimately derived from Europe, and generally forbids the consumption of dogs and cats, even if only recently.


...snip...

Thought it was a cultural thing in the UK and not illegal?

 

[Wuglife]

Because everyone lets their rabbits run around freely.

Letting cats and dogs run around freely (unless closely supervised and controlled) is dangerous to both the animal and to wildlife. People shouldn't do it.

Lots of animals get hit by cars or kill endangered birds. Others get taken and killed because they're mistaken for strays.

Also you totally ignored all the other animals I mentioned.