The newly elected chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Butchers Union, Mr. Angelo Wani Nyombe, has raised alarms over the clandestine sale of dog meat in local markets, a practice considered taboo in South Sudan. Nyombe vowed to take action against those involved in this illegal trade, stating that despite the stigma surrounding dog meat consumption, it is still being supplied to the public.

“There are still people who slaughter dogs in the town,” Nyombe said. “As the new chairperson of the union, I will ensure that we work accordingly, or they will face the wrath of the union.” He called for the cooperation of security forces to help eliminate the sale of dog meat and ensure that only standard meats reach consumers.

Nyombe expressed concern over the diminishing dog population in Juba due to the ongoing slaughter. He claimed to possess photographic evidence of the culprits and their vehicles, promising to present this information to authorities for further action. “Dogs are now few in Juba town because they are being slaughtered and eaten,” he noted.

In addition to addressing the sale of dog meat, Nyombe emphasized the need for better organization and integrity among butchers. He alleged that some generals provide protection to those involved in dog slaughter, complicating efforts to regulate the industry. “The security must stand with us to organize butcher’s work in Central Equatoria State, especially since it hosts the capital city of South Sudan. We don’t need a bad reputation,” he stated.

John Tombe, the first Director-General of the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, echoed Nyombe’s concerns, urging butchers to adopt international standards for livestock slaughter. “Foreigners in South Sudan don’t eat our meat because our butchers need capacity building,” he said, stressing the importance of humane practices in meat processing.

Tombe criticized the current methods, which he described as traditional and inhumane. “Cows are slaughtered under distressing conditions without proper veterinary testing,” he explained. He advocated for more humane practices, including anesthesia prior to slaughter, to ensure the welfare of the animals and the quality of the meat.

Concerns about the consumption of unhealthy meats have been raised by residents in other areas as well. In October 2024, citizens in the Abyei Administrative area reported the sale of dog meat in local markets, urging authorities to monitor slaughterhouses. They expressed worries about hygiene standards in beef sales, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight.

Past incidents, such as the alleged interception of a truck loaded with dog meat from Uganda in 2022 and previous arrests related to dog meat sales, underscore the ongoing challenges in addressing this issue. The community’s call for action continues as they seek to ensure the integrity and safety of their meat supply.