The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed a motion seeking to prohibit the sale and consumption of dog meat in the state.
The motion, sponsored by Uduak Ekpoufot, who represents Etinan State Constituency, failed to proceed during Tuesday’s plenary after it received no seconder, a mandatory procedural requirement for legislative debate.
According to Essien Nduese, media aide to Governor Umo Eno, the details of the plenary session were shared on the Governor’s official Facebook page.
Mr. Ekpoufot had highlighted the public health risks associated with dog meat consumption, warning that unhygienic slaughter practices could expose consumers to serious pathogens such as rabies, salmonella, and trichinella.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the inhumane treatment of animals in the dog meat trade, urging colleagues to consider both ethical and health implications.
Despite these warnings, no other member of the Assembly supported the motion, prompting the Speaker to officially declare it rejected.
With the motion’s dismissal, the sale and consumption of dog meat in Akwa Ibom State remained unregulated, continuing a practice that has long sparked debate among public health advocates and animal welfare campaigners.
