Unfortunately in the eyes of the law in those countries, the dogs for consumption are considered the owner's (merchant's) property. Similar to a farmer's herd of cows.... Perhaps they technically are, as the merchant may have exchanged money for them.
Now the tricky bit would be proving the merchant had handled stolen goods, in the case where dogs have been stolen still wearing ID collars from their original owners. And whether the police are willing to view that as a crime, or even to spend time investigating it....
They probably wouldn't even think of it. And collars are easily removed. Even microchips are. It is easy to feel them beneath the skin.
There is quite a bit of money changes hands in that 'industry'. Apparently one dog, for meat, is worth $200.
I wouldn't expect the police to change their ways unless it were enforced by Government rules. And even then, there could be corruption.
And I suppose realistically, no other country has a right to tell a culture what meat they can or can't eat. It's not as if dogs are on the 'endangered species' list. Change has to come concerning the intense cruelty however, plus the legal rights of the dogs' original owners (where it can be proven), and animal welfare legislation worldwide (which some countries feel they are exempt from!).
It is a tricky subject politically, legally and practically, and the countries involved have to be willing to co-operate.
But nevertheless, we all have to keep shouting. These tremendous hurdles should never be used as an excuse.
Now the tricky bit would be proving the merchant had handled stolen goods, in the case where dogs have been stolen still wearing ID collars from their original owners. And whether the police are willing to view that as a crime, or even to spend time investigating it....
They probably wouldn't even think of it. And collars are easily removed. Even microchips are. It is easy to feel them beneath the skin.
There is quite a bit of money changes hands in that 'industry'. Apparently one dog, for meat, is worth $200.
I wouldn't expect the police to change their ways unless it were enforced by Government rules. And even then, there could be corruption.
And I suppose realistically, no other country has a right to tell a culture what meat they can or can't eat. It's not as if dogs are on the 'endangered species' list. Change has to come concerning the intense cruelty however, plus the legal rights of the dogs' original owners (where it can be proven), and animal welfare legislation worldwide (which some countries feel they are exempt from!).
It is a tricky subject politically, legally and practically, and the countries involved have to be willing to co-operate.
But nevertheless, we all have to keep shouting. These tremendous hurdles should never be used as an excuse.
