Dog and meat traders in Bolgatanga threaten legal action over proposed ban

Dog and cat meat traders and consumers in Bolgatanga have threatened to take legal action if the government moves to ban the practice.

The development follows a case filed at the Supreme Court by the Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS), which is seeking enforcement of existing laws that it argues prohibit the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats.

Traders and consumers say the practice is not only part of their dietary and cultural traditions but also provides livelihoods for some young people and women in the Upper East Region.

The Bolgatanga market is reportedly a major centre for the trade, with buyers and sellers travelling from different parts of the country. The Supreme Court case could therefore have significant implications for the traders, consumers and communities that depend on the activity.

For now, those involved in the trade insist they will resist any attempt to prohibit the practice and are prepared to challenge such a move in court.