By Ainur Rohmah,

Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Campaigners of the Dog Meat-Free Indonesia Coalition (DMFI) urged the Indonesian Government to close the cruel live animal in country’s markets, where dogs were burned alive for food.

The group in a statement said thousands of dogs and cats were publicly beaten, burned alive and slaughtered for food in Indonesia every week.

Most people in Indonesia do not consume dogs and cats, only about seven percent of the 250 million population of the country.

The coalition has filmed two of the 200 live animal markets in North Sulawesi, Tomohon and Langowan Markets, showing the horrific suffering endured by animals.

Lola Webber, Dog Meat Free Indonesia’s campaign coordinator, said the animals they saw in the market were terrified, often sick and injured after a grueling journey into the market and rough handling by traders.

“It was like walking through hell, they were huddled in a cage waiting for their turn, trembling with fear when they saw their neighbors being killed around them,” she explained.

Bobby Fernando from Animal Friends Jogja said many people will be surprised by the horror of the video, however, the government and society should not just turn away.

The activists called on local governments and tour operators to stop promoting these markets as a must-see for tourists.

“These poor animals have to bear the horror every day, and they have nobody but us to speak for them,” he said.

According to him, “Wonderful Indonesia” the slogan to attract tourists is just an empty slogan when people look at the real situation in those markets.

“We need the whole world to join us to demand an end to the trade of dog and cat meat in Indonesia.” Take action at http://www.dogmeatfreeindonesia.org by writing to the Indonesian government and signing our petition,” he said.

Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) Coalition was founded by Animal Friends Jogja, Change For Animals Foundation, Humane Society International and Jakarta Animal Aid Network.

—AA