Jakarta has officially banned the dog and cat meat trade, marking a major step forward for animal welfare and public health. The new Gubernatorial Regulation No. 36/2025, which took effect on November 24, 2025, makes it illegal to trade, sell, slaughter, or consume dogs, cats, and several other species of animals that could transmit rabies. The ban applies to live animals as well as raw and processed meat.

The historic move goes far beyond the 2023 directive, which was only a non-binding appeal for voluntary cooperation. That earlier measure signaled the city’s stance against the trade but lacked the legal authority needed to enforce penalties or shut down operations.

...