Prices of dog have shot up by about 500 per cent in Ekiti State, following the residents’ new-found love for dog meat consumption.

Consequently, dogs have disappeared from the streets in Ekiti State.

More people have increasingly turned to dog meat for their nutrition despite the taboo hitherto associated with the consumption of dog meat in the community.

In Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, Emure- Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Otun-Ekiti, new dog slaughter slabs have sprung up as residents devour the meat in homes, restaurants and beer parlours.

A resident said no fewer than 20 of such slaughter slabs exist in Ado Ekiti alone.

“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,” the resident, who craved anonymity, said.

NAN reports that three-month-old dogs previously sold for as low as N500 now attract up to N3,000; while adult ones go for between N6,000 and N15,000 depending on the size.

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

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

NAN