FOUR PAWS Launches Urgent Campaign To End Cambodia’s Brutal Dog Meat Trade

Photo by: FOUR PAWS / Kim Chhay

Global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS has launched a powerful new campaign titled ‘This Is Not What Cambodians Want,’ to call for an immediate end to the dog meat trade in Cambodia. This urgent initiative is fueled by the overwhelming sentiment of the Cambodian people, with a staggering 90% of citizens expressing their desire for a ban on this cruel industry.

This critical campaign seeks to emphasize the stark cultural disconnect between the dog meat trade and the values of the Cambodian people, as well as the profound suffering inflicted upon the animals caught in the trade.

“As someone who deeply cares about the welfare of dogs, it is heart-wrenching to witness the suffering caused by the dog meat trade in Cambodia. This campaign is not just about ending a cruel practice; it is about amplifying the voices of the vast majority of Cambodians who oppose it. The profound disconnect between the trade and the true cultural values of this great nation compels us to call for change. We stand with the people of Cambodia in urging swift legislative action to protect these animals and preserve the nation’s cultural integrity,” said Dr. Karanvir (Karan) Kukreja, Head of Companion Animal Campaigns in Southeast Asia.

The shocking statistics surrounding the dog meat trade in Cambodia paint a grim picture. Approximately three million dogs are captured, transported, and slaughtered every year for meat. Many of these animals are beloved pets, stolen from their homes and subjected to inhumane treatment, including brutal killing methods such as blowtorching, electrocution, and drowning. Beyond the animal cruelty, the trade also poses significant public health risks by contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases such as rabies.

This new campaign serves as a platform for Cambodians—both within the country and abroad—to raise their voices and demand action from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF).

The stark reality of the trade is underscored by the results of a recent survey conducted by FOUR PAWS, which revealed that 94% of Cambodians believe that dog meat consumption is not a part of Cambodian culture. Furthermore, 86% of respondents expressed a desire for their government to take action against the trade. This overwhelming support demonstrates a national consensus against the practice, and the campaign aims to channel that support into meaningful legislative change.

The dog meat trade in Cambodia is part of a broader issue affecting countries across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Indonesia. Every year, millions of dogs and cats are stolen from the streets and subjected to extreme cruelty to fuel the trade. This barbaric industry involves multiple stages of suffering: from animals being snared and beaten, to being crammed into cages and transported long distances without food, water, or care. The slaughter methods used—such as beating, electrocution, and blowtorching—violate internationally recognized animal welfare standards and risk the spread of deadly diseases that can affect both animals and humans.

How You Can Help:

FOUR PAWS is encouraging Cambodians to take action by signing their petition and sharing it with their friends, family, and broader networks. Additionally, the campaign urges individuals to follow and engage with FOUR PAWS on social media—liking, commenting, and sharing posts to help raise awareness and encourage others to take part. Their campaign, “This is Not What Cambodians Want,” will run from March to September 2025, combining both online and offline efforts to engage a wide range of people, from pet owners to students and families, throughout Cambodia.

At the end of the campaign, the collected petitions and public comments will be compiled into a report and submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, highlighting the overwhelming public demand for a ban on the dog meat trade.

This important initiative represents a turning point in the fight to protect animals and preserve Cambodia’s cultural integrity. With overwhelming support from the Cambodian people, it’s clear that the time for change is now.

FOUR PAWS urges Cambodians living both within the country and abroad to stand together and make their voices heard. By signing their petition and spreading the message, we can bring an end to the brutal dog meat trade in Cambodia and ensure a brighter, kinder future for both animals and people. SIGN HERE!

Note: The petition is only available for citizens of Cambodia