NEWS
AKWA IBOM ASSEMBLY SHUTS DOWN MOTION TO BAN DOG-MEAT CONSUMPTION AS LAWMAKER FAILS TO SECURE SUPPORT
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has declined a motion seeking to ban the consumption and sale of dog meat across the state, following the inability of its sponsor, Hon. Uduak Ekpoufot of Etinan State Constituency, to secure a seconder during plenary.
The motion, which was expected to spark deliberations on public health and animal-welfare concerns, collapsed moments after it was introduced, in line with parliamentary procedure requiring at least one member to second a motion before debate can commence.
Hon. Ekpoufot had urged the Assembly to discontinue the practice of dog-meat consumption, citing multiple concerns ranging from inhumane slaughter methods to serious health threats posed to consumers. He lamented that dogs are often killed using cruel techniques such as strangulation, blunt-force strikes, and repeated blows, methods he described as deeply troubling and inconsistent with global standards of humane treatment.
Beyond animal welfare, he raised alarm over the potential health hazards associated with poorly processed dog meat, warning that consumers are at risk of contracting deadly pathogens, including rabies, salmonella, trichinella, and other dangerous parasites. He also noted that several countries have prohibited dog-meat consumption due to its documented public-health risks.
However, despite the lawmaker’s detailed justification and passionate appeal, his motion could not advance. With no member offering to second it, the Speaker promptly ruled the motion out, effectively shutting down further discussion.
The outcome means Akwa Ibom State will retain the current practice regarding the consumption and sale of dog meat, at least for the time being, despite concerns raised about public health and humane s
tandards.