By William Madouk
Reports have emerged of a section of unscrupulous butchers who reportedly strangle, stab, and slaughter hundreds of dogs each day.
The butchers, operating in secrecy, are believed to be supplying dog meat to the public.
Eating dog meat is taboo in South Sudan, however, rumours persist about its availability in local markets.
Mr. Angelo Wani Nyombe, the newly elected chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Butchers Union, said dog meat is still being sold in various markets, promising to take action against culprits.
“Dogs are slaughtered, there are still people who slaughter dogs in the town but I am telling you, the new chairperson of the union is here and you must work accordingly or face wrath,” he added.
He urged the security apparatus to assist the union to ensure that people only eat standard meat.
“Dogs are now few in Juba town because dogs are now slaughtered and eaten. I have so many evidence photos in my phone including their vehicles – I will take it to security so that action can be taken,” Nyombe noted.
He emphasized that butchers must be organized and honest.
Mr. Nyombe stated dog slaughters are being protected by some generals and that is why they are scot-free.
“The security must stand with us to organize butcher’s work in CES, especially since Central Equatoria State host the capital city of South Sudan, we don’t need something bad or a bad reputation,” he added.
“There are some generals who protect individuals who slaughter dogs and this is the work of the security,” he said.
The first Director-General, CES Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, John Tombe said butchers must adopt international best practice standards for slaughtering cattle.
“Foreigners in South Sudan or Juba don’t eat our meat, why because our butchers need capacity building cause dealing with meat needs experiences starting from abattoir – nowadays people are talking of standards,” said Tombe.
“The way you handle the animals during the slaughter is part of a standard, outside there, people deal with a standard; where the cow was slaughtered? How was it slaughtered? Was the cow tested before being slaughtered,” he added.
Mr. Tombe said cows are slaughtered under inhumane and distressing conditions which is ‘very traditional.’
He said proper testing by veterinary doctors is vital to avoid slaughtering ill animals and meat quality.
He cited that cows are butchered using the method of exsanguination after stunning rendering the animal unconscious.
“The way we slaughter our cattle is very traditional, the cow is laid down and slaughtered however this act globally is rejected,” he said.
“In the right procedures, the cow was supposed to be anaesthetized after it can be slaughtered,” Tombe added.
In October 2024, residents of Abyei Administrative area said dog meat is being sold at the market. Several citizens expressed concern about the consumption of unhealthy meats.
Citizens said they caught a butcher with dog meat and called upon the relevant authorities and veterinarians to monitor slaughterhouses before such products reach the market.
They also expressed concern that beef is being sold that does not meet hygiene standards.
In June 2022, Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State (NBGS) refuted reports that the National Security intercepted a truck from Uganda loaded with dog meat heading to Aweil town.
A report circulated on social media indicated that national security officers impounded the truck suspected of leaving Uganda with illicit meat.
According to the reports, the truck was seized in Western Bahr el Ghazal State (WBS), but the information could not be confirmed by the WBS authorities as some did not pick up the calls.
However, when contacted, William Anyuon Kuol, former Minister of Information and Communication for Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, said he had no idea about the trucks that were heading to Aweil.
In November 2017, two men among five suspects arrested were arraigned before a court in Yei town after they were allegedly caught while trying to sell dog meat under the guise of goat meat.