September 2016
As you may be aware this issue was debated in the House of Commons last year. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the debate due to other diary commitments but I do share your concerns about this issue. Like you, I view the trade and consumption of dog meat as abhorrent, particularly where it involves cruelty to animals.
Whilst the Government recognises the difficulty in standing against countries where eating dog meat is culturally accepted, it has continued to try to influence those countries.
I warmly welcome the work that non-governmental organisations such as Animal Asia Foundation, the Humane Society International, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals do in Asian countries to protect dogs' welfare.
There have often been accusations against countries in Asia of cruel treatment towards animals, and the Government has made clear that there can be no place for cruel or inhumane practices anywhere. I am pleased that in his remarks during the debate last year the then Foreign Office Minister confirmed that the Government is prepared to speak loudly on this issue where it is needed. If you would like to read the Minister's remarks in full, you can do so here.
