The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has officially declared its opposition to the consumption of cats and dogs in Ghana, urging immediate
The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has officially declared its opposition to the consumption of cats and dogs in Ghana, urging immediate government intervention to protect public health and animal welfare.
In a statement released on February 23, 2026, ICS Executive Director Eric Jerry Aidoo emphasized that cats and dogs should be recognized as family companions and community protectors—not sources of meat.
According to the organization, cats and dogs play vital roles in Ghanaian households. Beyond companionship and emotional support, they serve as protectors, offering security and early warning against potential threats. Treating them as livestock, the group argues, undermines their social value and weakens the fabric of community life.
The statement also highlighted serious public health concerns associated with the unregulated slaughter and consumption of cat and dog meat. ICS warned that such practices increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, including rabies, trichinellosis, and cholera—conditions that can have fatal or widespread consequences if not properly controlled.
ICS is calling on the Minister of Health and relevant authorities to implement a total ban on the slaughter of cats and dogs for human consumption. The organization is also advocating for legislation to criminalize the trade, transport, and sale of such meat, alongside a nationwide public awareness campaign to educate citizens about associated health risks.
“It is time for Ghana to align with global health standards and ethical practices,” Aidoo stated. “Cats and dogs are family. They deserve protection, not the slaughterhouse.”
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate nation and urged media outlets and civil society groups to amplify the call for reform.
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