Ekiti residents turn to dogs for meat

Ekiti residents have increasingly turned to dog meat

- More and more restaurants cook dog meat

- Three-months-old dogs previously sold for as low as N500, now attract up to N3,0

Ekiti residents turn to dogs for meat

Dogs are continuously disappearing from the streets of Ekiti state as many residents now to to dog meat for consumption.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) has reported that despite the fact that many people look at it as taboo, people of Ekiti have increasingly looked at it as a source of nutrition.

In places like, Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, Emure- Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Otun Ekiti, it has been noticed that new dog slaughter slabs have sprung up.

Most of the consumption of the meat is taking place in the homes, restaurants and beer parlours around the state.

According to a resident of the state, no fewer than 20 of such slaughter slabs exist in Ado Ekiti alone.

The resident also explained: “A good number of beer parlours and relaxation centres now make pepper soup and suya from dog meat.

“Because of the high rate of consumption of dog meat, it is now difficult to see dogs on the street and their cost have risen astronomically."

Previously dogs, that are about 3 months old were sold for as low as N500, now attract up to N3,000, while adult go for between N6,000 and N15,000 depending on the size.

One seller, Mr Debo Olusola, who trades in dog meat, said he makes an average of N10,000 daily from sale of dog meat suya.

Kunle Adeyemi, who is a veterinary doctor, warned against excessive consumption of the meat, saying it was “risky and injurious to health” due to rabies content in dog flesh and blood.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has reaffirmed its position as giant of Africa, at least in one aspect, as people from all over Africa, are rushing to Kebbi state to buy rice.