Indian influencer Garima Bakshi sparked outrage online after sharing a video of dog meat being sold on the streets of China. While traveling in the country, Bakshi encountered the controversial practice, which she documented in a video posted to her social media accounts. The footage, which quickly went viral, shows her interacting with a local resident and a meat seller, who confirms that dog meat is a common food in certain parts of China. The video also captures a man cooking the meat and a dog confined in a cage, awaiting the same fate.
In the caption accompanying her post, Bakshi explained that dog meat China is traditionally consumed in various cultures across Southern China and is also found in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and India. However, she pointed out that this practice is gradually declining, with only about 20% to 30% of the local population still consuming dog meat. Bakshi emphasized that societal attitudes are shifting, and many people are choosing to stop eating it.
Despite her attempt to provide context, the video provoked strong reactions from viewers. Some expressed their disgust and dismay at the practice, while others debated the broader ethical implications of consuming animals. One user argued that the distinction between different types of meat is arbitrary, stating, “What difference does it make whether it is dog meat or goat meat or cow meat or pig meat, murder is murder and corpse means only corpse, one should not bother too much about it.” This comment reflects the viewpoint that all forms of meat consumption involve the taking of life and should be considered equally.
Another user, Sonali, voiced her horror at what she perceived as a barbaric practice, rejecting the cultural defense often cited in such discussions. She wrote, “So disgusted to see people accepting barbaric practices and saying ‘That’s the beauty of travel.’ Before anyone attacks me saying it’s the local culture, A) they are not living in the Amazon to kill an innocent animal for survival. B) There is absolutely no excuse for torturing animals in 2024. And eating a dog is nothing different from eating a chicken, goat, cow or fish.” Sonali’s comment underscores a growing global sentiment against animal cruelty, regardless of the species involved.
The video also stirred emotions among those who view dogs as companions rather than livestock. One person expressed this sentiment bluntly, asking, “I’m offended. Why eat a dog?” This reaction highlights the cultural differences that influence people’s perceptions of which animals are acceptable to consume.
The controversy surrounding Bakshi’s video underscores the complex interplay between cultural practices and global ethics. While some defend the consumption of dog meat as a cultural tradition, others vehemently oppose it, citing animal rights and ethical concerns. As society continues to evolve, these debates are likely to intensify, challenging long-standing practices and prompting a reevaluation of what constitutes acceptable behavior in a modern, interconnected world.
