The Coalition for Cruelty Free Africa (CFCFA), in partnership with the Liberia Animal Welfare and Conservation Society (LAWCS), has launched an international campaign urging governments to outlaw the dog and cat meat trade due to its severe public health risks.
The initiative, backed by global animal welfare organizations such as Soi Dog, Candy Hound Rescue, Global Justice For Greyhounds and all Dogs, and The Coalition of African Animal Welfare, highlights the dangers posed by the consumption of companion animals, including the spread of deadly zoonotic diseases.
With the slogan “Dogs and Cats Are Family, Not Food,” the campaign is driving awareness through billboards placed across Africa and other parts of the world, aiming to pressure policymakers into enacting strict animal protection laws.
According to CFCFA, the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned that the trade and slaughter of dogs and cats in live markets increase the risk of rabies, cholera, and trichinellosis—diseases that could escalate into global health crises if left unchecked.
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Beyond public health concerns, the coalition is advocating for the humane treatment of animals, arguing that dogs and cats are loyal companions and should not be subjected to cruel slaughter.
The campaign specifically calls on the African Union, individual African governments, and global leaders to implement urgent legal measures to prohibit the trade, emphasizing that protecting animal welfare is also crucial for safeguarding human health.
As global awareness grows, pressure is mounting on policymakers to address the issue and take decisive action against what campaigners describe as a “barbaric” and dangerous industry.
