Due to the fact that Iceland is not restricted to whaling laws, hunters in Iceland have been supplying Japan with whale meat for years. The latest trend now though is to use the meat of endangered whales for dog treats.
Environmental campaigners and groups have been fighting hard to get the hunting of whales and the selling of their meat for consumption restricted for some time, as most know. And now with the new craze of converting the meat into doggy treats, things have just been taken to a whole new level. The Japanese campaign group IKAN is of the opinion that it is the worst kind of conspicuous consumption yet.
Feeding your pampered pooch whale meat treats is apparently the latest way of showing your wealth and social standing in Japan. The meat of North Atlantic Fin Whales is used for this delight and has many worried as these are endangered animals. This ridiculous new craze has many worried as the new quota for the year is set at over 180 Fin Whales. And the concern is not only for the Fin Whales but also for Minke Whales which look similar and are also in the same boat, so to speak.
The Tokyo-based company that is selling these treats market them as “low calorie, low fat and high in protein” on their website. They also sell other pet treats that are said to be made from Mongolian horse and kangaroo and come in various sized packets.
Although we might not be able to do something about it in South Africa, it is a good reminder to check the origins of products, whether it be for your home or treats for your pets. We might not always be able to stop these horrible things from happening, but we can help in not supporting such trade.
