The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) says it will file a case at the Supreme Court to compel the enforcement of laws it believes prohibit the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats in Ghana.

In a statement released on Monday, the organisation said its legal action seeks to ensure the implementation of Section 303 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 1998 (Act 554), which it argues outlaws the practice.

According to ICS, the killing of dogs and cats for human consumption has become increasingly common in some parts of the country, describing the trend as inhumane and contrary to animal welfare principles.

The organisation maintained that companion animals should not be regarded as a source of food, noting that they are intelligent creatures capable of forming strong emotional relationships with humans.

Beyond animal welfare concerns, ICS warned that the consumption of dog and cat meat could pose serious public health risks. It said the unregulated slaughter and processing of the animals could expose people to zoonotic diseases, including rabies and other infectious illnesses.

The institute also pointed out that Ghana has no officially recognised farms dedicated to breeding dogs and cats for consumption, unlike livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry and fish.

It argued that the absence of regulated breeding facilities raises concerns that many of the animals being slaughtered may have been stolen from homes, contributing to the growing problem of pet theft and illegal trafficking.

Executive Director of ICS, Eric Jerry Aidoo, popularly known as Chairman Jerry, said the organisation is committed to using the courts to safeguard companion animals while protecting public health.

“Dogs and cats have long been trusted companions in many homes. Their theft and cruel killing for consumption should not be allowed to continue. We are asking the Supreme Court to ensure that the laws are enforced to protect these animals and safeguard the public,” he said.

ICS reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws, environmental sustainability and the protection of companion animals throughout Ghana.

Read the statement below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28/07/2025

​Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) Heads to Supreme Court to Enforce Ban on Dog and Cat Meat Consumption in Ghana

​ The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) is officially taking legal action by heading to the Supreme Court of Ghana to demand the strict enforcement of Section 303 of the Criminal Offenses Act (Act 29), as amended by the Criminal Code Amendment Act, 1998 (Act 554), regarding the illegal slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats.

​Across the country, dogs and cats are subjected to brutal slaughter for human consumption. ICS firmly asserts that companion animals are not food,they are family. Like humans, these animals possess intelligence, emotional capacity, and strong bonds with their households. They deserve legal protection, not exploitation.

​Beyond the ethical issues, the consumption of dog and cat meat poses severe public health risks. Unregulated slaughter and handling of companion animals significantly increase the exposure to deadly zoonotic diseases, including rabies, posing a direct threat to public safety and community well-being.

Unlike livestock, such as goats, pigs, poultry, cattle, or fish, there are no regulated or recognized dog or cat farms in Ghana.

This absence strongly indicates that a vast majority of consumed pets are stolen from loving families, highlighting an uncontrolled rise in animal theft and illegal trade across communities.
​”Dogs and cats have proven to be loyal companions and vital members of our households,” said Eric Jerry Aidoo, aka Chairman Jerry, Executive Director of ICS.

The widespread theft and cruel slaughter of these animals must end. We are calling on the highest court of the land to uphold the law and protect both our animals and our public health.
​The Institute of Community Sustainability remains committed to advocating for legal compliance, environmental welfare, and the protection of companion animals across Ghana.

​Eric Jerry Aidoo
Executive Director, Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS)
Phone: +233 244759818