Posted 15 June 2008 - 04:15 PM
Well I've eaten dogmeat on several occasions...a few times when I was young and unaware and a few other times when I knew beforehand. I know a lot of people think of dogs as 'man's best friend' and such and I do agree they do make great pets and are quite useful (I have two myself that I love), but that doesn't stop me from eating them on my grandparents' farm when they prepare it in Korea. They are killed humanely (if you can call killing humane) in the same way they kill their cattle, chickens, and pigs. I don't think it's a big deal and I don't think anyone else should either if they eat pork, beef, chicken or whatever else. I can understand if you're a vegetarian because you don't like any meat in whatever form it takes. Once you take away the fur, blood, and other undesirables and are left with the meat you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference because I sure didn't.
Anyway when I first found out, yes, I was horrified. Being brought up in the USA in very white settings with little to no exposure to anything else (and I'm talking white school, white neighborhood -- no Asians, Hispanics or African Americans until I was older and moved down south), I formulated my 'opinions' for lack of a better word for how other people did certain things and I was pretty disgusted and called them cruel for eating 'man's best friend...' but I was young, stupid, and had no tolerance for other cultures. However with age came tolerance and acceptance...and a willingness to try things thankfully. And I'm not saying all westerners are against dog consumption because I know many who are not (including my father who has eaten it).
During my younger school days, I've been called a 'dog eater' (I never told them I did) and was made fun of that, which had an effect on how I viewed actual 'dog eating' first hand. Older though and when people call me a 'dog eater' I say 'so what? yes, I've eaten dog' which is followed by ignorant comments like 'I'm never letting you around my dog' etc. I just brush it off as a minor annoyance. My friends on the other hand will go out of their way saying they've never eaten dog (when they've had and confessed to me that they liked it) because they are so afraid of what others might think of them. Yes, it's a stereotype. Not every Asian as eaten dogs, but for those who have you shouldn't be ashamed for doing so. And I also dislike the idea of certain countries pressuring other countries to not eat certain animals because that shows a lack of understanding and tolerance for other cultures. If you don't wanna eat dogs that's completely fine with me (just don't knock it until you've tried it because who knows you might enjoy it), just don't tell other people they shouldn't because it may be 'wrong' to you. I can understand if you not wanting to eat dog because of the flavor or texture of it though. My friend won't eat pork because she thinks it's too greasy, but she's eaten it before to judge whether or not she likes it. Also using the argument that dog's are smarter than other domestic animals is incorrect at least in the case of pigs (which are in fact very intelligent and trainable).
I support people who choose to eat dogs (various other Asian countries), dolphins (you've probably seen this in the media involving Japan), guinea pigs(in certain s. American countries) or whatever animal. Although I would prefer that they have quick deaths and not made to suffer for long periods of time (and are inspected by health officials). I say that because 'painless death' is almost impossible, so make it quick and don't torture them like dragging around or hanging or skinning alive.
QUOTE
Here's some useless information on countries known for eating dog meat. It's from Wiki I know, but I think most of it can be trusted in this case.
Arctic and Antarctic
Dogs have historically been an emergency food source for various peoples in Siberia, Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland.
China
In recent years, more and more Chinese people changed their attitude towards eating dog meat from 'personal choice 'to 'unnecessary cruelty'[cite this quote]. A growing movement against consumption of cat and dog meat has gained attention from people in mainland China. Those changes began about two years after the formation of the Chinese Companion Animal Protection Network, a networking project of Chinese Animal Protection Network. Expanded to more than 40 member societies, CCAPN in January 2006 began organizing well-publicized protests against dog and cat eating, starting in Guangzhou, following up in more than ten other cities "with very optimal response from public."[24]
Since Jan 2007, more than ten Chinese groups have joined an online signing event against the consumption of cat and dog meat. The signatures indicate that the participants will avoid eating cat and dog meat in the future. This online signing event received more than 42,000 signatures from public and has been circulated around the country. [25] Supportors of this online event also organized offline events in many cities, including several high profile performance-art shows.
France & Germany
During famines.
India
Dog is eaten as an emergency food in some remote, mountainous parts of North-East India such as Mizoram and Nagaland.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the consumption of dog meat are usually associated with the Minahasa, a Christian ethnic group in northern Sulawesi, and Batak tribe of Northern Sumatra who consider dog meat to be a festive dish and usually reserve it for special occasions like weddings and Christmas.[36]. Popular Indonesian dog-meat dish are Rica-Rica, "RW" or Rintek Wuuk, Rica-Rica Waung, Guk-Guk and "B1". Locally on Javanese there are several names for dishes made from dog meat such as SengSu (Oseng Asu), Sate Jamu and Kambing Balap.
Korea
During the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea's capital city, the South Korean government asked its citizens not to consume dog meat to avoid bad publicity during the games. The controversy surfaced again in 2001 during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.[39][40] The organizer of the games, under pressure from animal rights groups such as PETA,[41] demanded that the Korean government re-address the issue.
Mexico
Dogs were historically bred for their meat by the Aztecs. Hernán Cortés reported that when he arrived in Tenochtitlan in 1519, "small gelded dogs which they breed for eating" were among the goods sold in the city markets.[43] These dogs, now extinct were called itzcuintlis, and were similar to the modern Mexican Hairless Dog. They are often depicted in pre-Columbian Mexican pottery.
Nigeria
Dogs are eaten in some states of Nigeria including Cross River, Plateau, Taraba and Gombe of Nigeria. They are believed to have medicinal powers.
Philippines
Nevertheless, as is reported from time to time in Philippine newspapers, the eating of dog meat is not uncommon in the Philippines.[48] DogMeatTrade.com,[49]an organization working in the Philippines to eliminate the eating of dogs in the country, estimates that 500,000 dogs are killed annually in the Philippine Islands for human consumption.[50]
In the Province of Benguet, Resolution 05-392 has been passed declaring, among other things, "it has been an evolved cultural practice of indigenous peoples of the Cordillera the butchering of animals, dogs included, as part of their rituals and practices leading to its commercialization to a limited extent, and had become an inevitable common necessity in their way of life"; and resolving, among other things, "to seek the help and assistance of the Committee on Animal Welfare, Department of Agriculture, the Regional Police Office, Cordillera Administrative Region, the Provincial Police Office, Benguet Province, for the proper observance of the said rights of indigenous peoples".[51]
Polynesia
Dogs were historically eaten in Tahiti and other islands of Polynesia including Hawaii[52] [53] at the time of first European contact. James Cook, when first visiting Tahiti in 1769, recorded in his journal that "few were there of us but what allowe'd that a South Sea Dog was next to an English Lamb, one thing in their favour is that they live entirely upon Vegetables".[54]
Switzerland
According to the November 21, 1996, edition of the Rheintaler Bote, a Swiss newspaper covering the Rhine Valley area, the rural Swiss cantons of Appenzell and St. Gallen are known to have had a tradition of eating dogs, curing dog meat into jerky and sausages, as well as using the lard for medicinal purposes. Dog sausage and smoked dog jerky remains a staple in the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Appenzell, where one farmer was quoted in a regional weekly newspaper as saying that "meat from dogs is the healthiest of all. It has shorter fibres than cow meat, has no hormones like veal, no antibiotics like pork."[55]
A few years earlier, a news report on RTL Television on the two cantons set off a wave of protests from European animal rights activists and other concerned citizens. A 7000-name petition was filed to the commissions of the cantons, who rejected it, saying it wasn't the state's right to monitor the eating habits of its citizens.
The production of food from dog meat, however, is illegal in Switzerland.[56]
Taiwan
Dog meat (Taiwanese or Minnan: 狗肉 káu-bah) is known by the euphemism "fragrant meat" (香肉 xiāng ròu) in Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan. Eating dogs has never been commonplace in Taiwan, but it is particularly eaten in the winter months, especially black dogs, which are believed to help retain body warmth. In 2004, the Taiwanese government imposed a ban on the sale of dog meat, due to both pressure from domestic animal welfare groups and a desire to improve international perceptions, although there were some protests.[57][58] According to Lonely Planet's Taiwan guide, it is still possible to find dog meat on some restaurant menus, but this is becoming increasingly rare. Dog eating was recently banned in Taiwan.
Vietnam
Dog meat is consumed throughout Vietnam to varying degrees of acceptability, though more predominantly in the north. There are multiple dishes featuring dog meat, and they often include the head, feet and internal organs. On Nhat Tan Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi, many restaurants serve dog meat, often imitating each other. Dog meat restaurants can be found throughout the country. Groups of customers, usually male, seated on mats, will spend their evenings sharing plates of dog meat and drinking alcohol. Dog meat is supposed to raise the libido and is sometimes considered unsuitable for women; in other words, eating dog meat can serve as a male bonding exercise. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for women to eat dog meat.[59] The consumption of dog meat can be part of a ritual usually occurring toward the end of the lunar month for reasons of astrology and luck. Restaurants which mainly exist to serve dog meat may only open for the last half of the lunar month.[60]
Native Americans
The traditional culture surrounding the consumption of dog meat varied from tribe to tribe among the original inhabitants of North America, with some tribes relishing it as a delicacy and others (such as the Comanche) treating it as an abhorrent practice.[62] Native peoples of the Great Plains, such as the Sioux and Cheyenne, consumed it, but there was a concurrent religious taboo against the meat of wild canines.[63] The usual preparation method was boiling.
Japan
Before westernization, also ate dog meat.
Arctic and Antarctic
Dogs have historically been an emergency food source for various peoples in Siberia, Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland.
China
In recent years, more and more Chinese people changed their attitude towards eating dog meat from 'personal choice 'to 'unnecessary cruelty'[cite this quote]. A growing movement against consumption of cat and dog meat has gained attention from people in mainland China. Those changes began about two years after the formation of the Chinese Companion Animal Protection Network, a networking project of Chinese Animal Protection Network. Expanded to more than 40 member societies, CCAPN in January 2006 began organizing well-publicized protests against dog and cat eating, starting in Guangzhou, following up in more than ten other cities "with very optimal response from public."[24]
Since Jan 2007, more than ten Chinese groups have joined an online signing event against the consumption of cat and dog meat. The signatures indicate that the participants will avoid eating cat and dog meat in the future. This online signing event received more than 42,000 signatures from public and has been circulated around the country. [25] Supportors of this online event also organized offline events in many cities, including several high profile performance-art shows.
France & Germany
During famines.
India
Dog is eaten as an emergency food in some remote, mountainous parts of North-East India such as Mizoram and Nagaland.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the consumption of dog meat are usually associated with the Minahasa, a Christian ethnic group in northern Sulawesi, and Batak tribe of Northern Sumatra who consider dog meat to be a festive dish and usually reserve it for special occasions like weddings and Christmas.[36]. Popular Indonesian dog-meat dish are Rica-Rica, "RW" or Rintek Wuuk, Rica-Rica Waung, Guk-Guk and "B1". Locally on Javanese there are several names for dishes made from dog meat such as SengSu (Oseng Asu), Sate Jamu and Kambing Balap.
Korea
During the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea's capital city, the South Korean government asked its citizens not to consume dog meat to avoid bad publicity during the games. The controversy surfaced again in 2001 during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.[39][40] The organizer of the games, under pressure from animal rights groups such as PETA,[41] demanded that the Korean government re-address the issue.
Mexico
Dogs were historically bred for their meat by the Aztecs. Hernán Cortés reported that when he arrived in Tenochtitlan in 1519, "small gelded dogs which they breed for eating" were among the goods sold in the city markets.[43] These dogs, now extinct were called itzcuintlis, and were similar to the modern Mexican Hairless Dog. They are often depicted in pre-Columbian Mexican pottery.
Nigeria
Dogs are eaten in some states of Nigeria including Cross River, Plateau, Taraba and Gombe of Nigeria. They are believed to have medicinal powers.
Philippines
Nevertheless, as is reported from time to time in Philippine newspapers, the eating of dog meat is not uncommon in the Philippines.[48] DogMeatTrade.com,[49]an organization working in the Philippines to eliminate the eating of dogs in the country, estimates that 500,000 dogs are killed annually in the Philippine Islands for human consumption.[50]
In the Province of Benguet, Resolution 05-392 has been passed declaring, among other things, "it has been an evolved cultural practice of indigenous peoples of the Cordillera the butchering of animals, dogs included, as part of their rituals and practices leading to its commercialization to a limited extent, and had become an inevitable common necessity in their way of life"; and resolving, among other things, "to seek the help and assistance of the Committee on Animal Welfare, Department of Agriculture, the Regional Police Office, Cordillera Administrative Region, the Provincial Police Office, Benguet Province, for the proper observance of the said rights of indigenous peoples".[51]
Polynesia
Dogs were historically eaten in Tahiti and other islands of Polynesia including Hawaii[52] [53] at the time of first European contact. James Cook, when first visiting Tahiti in 1769, recorded in his journal that "few were there of us but what allowe'd that a South Sea Dog was next to an English Lamb, one thing in their favour is that they live entirely upon Vegetables".[54]
Switzerland
According to the November 21, 1996, edition of the Rheintaler Bote, a Swiss newspaper covering the Rhine Valley area, the rural Swiss cantons of Appenzell and St. Gallen are known to have had a tradition of eating dogs, curing dog meat into jerky and sausages, as well as using the lard for medicinal purposes. Dog sausage and smoked dog jerky remains a staple in the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Appenzell, where one farmer was quoted in a regional weekly newspaper as saying that "meat from dogs is the healthiest of all. It has shorter fibres than cow meat, has no hormones like veal, no antibiotics like pork."[55]
A few years earlier, a news report on RTL Television on the two cantons set off a wave of protests from European animal rights activists and other concerned citizens. A 7000-name petition was filed to the commissions of the cantons, who rejected it, saying it wasn't the state's right to monitor the eating habits of its citizens.
The production of food from dog meat, however, is illegal in Switzerland.[56]
Taiwan
Dog meat (Taiwanese or Minnan: 狗肉 káu-bah) is known by the euphemism "fragrant meat" (香肉 xiāng ròu) in Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan. Eating dogs has never been commonplace in Taiwan, but it is particularly eaten in the winter months, especially black dogs, which are believed to help retain body warmth. In 2004, the Taiwanese government imposed a ban on the sale of dog meat, due to both pressure from domestic animal welfare groups and a desire to improve international perceptions, although there were some protests.[57][58] According to Lonely Planet's Taiwan guide, it is still possible to find dog meat on some restaurant menus, but this is becoming increasingly rare. Dog eating was recently banned in Taiwan.
Vietnam
Dog meat is consumed throughout Vietnam to varying degrees of acceptability, though more predominantly in the north. There are multiple dishes featuring dog meat, and they often include the head, feet and internal organs. On Nhat Tan Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi, many restaurants serve dog meat, often imitating each other. Dog meat restaurants can be found throughout the country. Groups of customers, usually male, seated on mats, will spend their evenings sharing plates of dog meat and drinking alcohol. Dog meat is supposed to raise the libido and is sometimes considered unsuitable for women; in other words, eating dog meat can serve as a male bonding exercise. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for women to eat dog meat.[59] The consumption of dog meat can be part of a ritual usually occurring toward the end of the lunar month for reasons of astrology and luck. Restaurants which mainly exist to serve dog meat may only open for the last half of the lunar month.[60]
Native Americans
The traditional culture surrounding the consumption of dog meat varied from tribe to tribe among the original inhabitants of North America, with some tribes relishing it as a delicacy and others (such as the Comanche) treating it as an abhorrent practice.[62] Native peoples of the Great Plains, such as the Sioux and Cheyenne, consumed it, but there was a concurrent religious taboo against the meat of wild canines.[63] The usual preparation method was boiling.
Japan
Before westernization, also ate dog meat.
Please don't give short answers like 'OMFG noway!!111so wrong!!!evillll...too cute" etc. Let's be mature about this. State why you are for or against eating dogs. Share stories, experiences, etc.! involving other taboo animals as well not just dogs.
EDIT
Please refrain from saying "Ew" or "That's gross" or "That's disgusting." A simple 'no' will do followed by a brief explanation. It's not difficult to express your dislike without being offensive.
Whale Meat Shop at a Japanese market
Dolphin Meat
Guinea Pig Roast in S. America
Fried Insects
If you've eaten animals other than dogs that are not a norm in the west like some listed above, feel free to share.
Okay,pet peeve moment there...
