Dog meat, popularly called ‘404’ or ‘dogmacin1, has over the years transformed from being a taboo in some parts of Nigeria to a prized delicacy in others, particularly on the Plateau. While many communities in states such as Plateau, Akwa Ibom and Ondo openly relish it, others still frown upon its consumption. In this report, LUCY CHINDABA takes a look inside the bustling Kasuwan Kare (Dog Market) in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where the trade thrives amid culture, controversy and economic realities
The dog, a domestic animal considered to be man’s loyal friend, has today become a delicacy for many across several countries of the world, including Nigeria, Ghana and others within the African continent.
In Nigeria, some people and tribes from Plateau State, Akwa Ibom and Ondo State, among others, are prominently known for their consumption of dog meat. While it is very common and openly sold in most areas of Plateau State, the delicacy is reserved for the rich and served in exotic restaurants in Akwa Ibom and Calabar, where it is very expensive and beyond the reach of the ordinary man.
The thriving dog market in Jos
A visit to Kasuwan Kare (Dog Market) in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State revealed that the dog business has been around for some time. A Saturday stroll through the market showed many used tyres with ropes tied round them, with some dogs attached.
One prominent seller whose name repeatedly came up in the market was Nangwang Bintim, a native of Langtang South, who has been in the business since 2019.
According to him, “the business is a good one and runs in my family. My grandmother has been in the business since we were children and my uncle is also doing it at the moment. My grandmother is doing her own business in Kanke Local Government while I am in Kasuwan Kare.
Asked if the business is lucrative, Nangwang disclosed that it is indeed profitable though it was not thriving as before. “We used to kill up to ten dogs in a day but now we only slaughter about five dogs daily/’ he explained.
He attributed the drop in patronage to the harsh economy. “The economy is not favourable for our business as people are struggling to feed their families because of the high cost of things in the market,” he said.
Expanding demand at home and abroad
Despite the challenges, Nangwang expressed gratitude. “I am thanking God because the business has opened doors for me. I have even gone abroad to prepare the delicacy for some people there. I also have some people living abroad who from time to time request dog meat and I package and send to them, either by drying it completely or frying it very dry, then sending it abroad.”
Initially, he said, the Ngas, Berom and a few other tribes from Plateau State were the main consumers of dog meat, but today, “virtually all tribes on the Plateau now partake in its consumption.”
Nangwang also explained that Saturdays were not market days, which was why some tyres appeared empty during the visit. “Our market days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you come on a market day, there are usually more than one thousand dogs brought to the market, but before evening all or most of them would have been sold,” he said.
The trader disclosed that the dogs were brought in from different places, including Niger Republic Chad and other neighbouring countries.
On whether the dogs were healthy for consumption, Nangwang maintained that the animals were subjected to medical tests and supervision of sellers. “We have medical personnel who come around to check both the dogs and the sellers and from time to time administer drugs and injections when necessary,” he said.
He appealed to government to pay more attention to the market, since it generates revenue. “They should make it a more conducive environment for both the animals and the sellers. In advanced countries, there are machines that make our work easier and more healthy. I appeal to government to come to our aid so we can improve on our services,” he added.
Cultural beliefs, taboos
Dog meat, popularly called ‘404’ or dogmacin1, is believed by its consumers to bring supernatural powers, protect them from fatal diseases and cure illnesses.
However, it remains a taboo in some tribes such as the Tiv of Benue State, who until recently did not even keep dogs as pets, let alone consume them. The writer recalls asking a young Tiv woman married to an Ngas man if she would join her husband in consuming their favourite delicacy. She said that her father had warned her husband’s family to ensure she never eats dog meat.
Similarly, it is a well-known fact that the Afizere people of Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State do not relish dog meat. Yet, individual preferences often override communal taboos. One Jos respondent, who pleaded anonymity, said he is from Kanam Local Government Area where dog meat is a taboo.
But because his friends are from the Berom and Ngas communities, he has become an ardent consumer. “I do not know why my people do not consume it but since I was introduced to it, I have never stopped and nothing has happened to me,” he said.
Dog meat or no dog meat, it remains a matter of culture and beliefs. As the saying goes, one man’s meat is another man’s poison.