BAGUIO CITY (PNA) – The city veterinary office is cracking down on eateries serving dog meat to “special” customers after animal welfare advocates asked the city government’s help against the illegal meat trade.

“There is no commercial slaughtering of dogs for meat in Baguio,” said Dr. Silardo Bested Friday, June 29, adding that based on apprehensions made, dog meat is sourced in the lowlands, outside the city.

He said dog meat is not among the food allowed under safety food standards. As such, selling dog meat at the city market and restaurants, including the satellite markets in the barangays, is prohibited.

“However, there are a few restaurants that secretly offer dog meat to selected customers who like eating dog meat. We are constantly monitoring this,” Bested said, as he assured the public that "we are acting on this.”

Bested said a restaurant on Marcos Highway was caught by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) serving dog meat dishes to customers.

“We will strengthen our monitoring and will file charges for violation of the animal welfare law and recommend the closure of their business,” the city veterinarian said.

Bested said the non-profit animal welfare non-government organization Animal Kingdom Foundation sought the help of the city government to help stop the illegal trade and serving of dog meat whether surreptitiously or not to also discourage dog traders from slaughtering the dogs and transporting them to the city.