"CATS AND DOGS ARE OUR COMPANIONS, NOT FOOD TO BE CONSUMED", MR. JERRY AIDOO.

Mr. Eric Jerry Aidoo is a prominent environmental and animal welfare advocate, civil society leader, sports executive, and political figure who serves as the executive director of the Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS). He campaigns heavily against the consumption of cat and dog meat in Ghana and recently made national headlines by petitioning the Supreme Court to halt what his organization defines as animal torture. During a phone interview with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi on the Ghana Nti Morning Show, Mr. Jerry stated that, "Cats and dogs are our companions that make us happy and protect us, not food to be consumed." He added that human cruelty and a desire for enjoyment have caused us to inflict pain on these innocent animals. Furthermore, he noted that while there are laws protecting animals, Ghanaians often fail to act in accordance with them. For instance, Section 93 of the Criminal Offences Act states that anyone who harms an animal is liable to a fine of 25 penalty units or a jail term of not less than 12 months. Mr. Jerry Aidoo concluded that, after conducting research, the results showed that 46% of women consume cat and dog meat rather than cow and goat meat in Ghana. He also advised that consuming cat and dog meat does not provide spiritual protection. "Some of these women claim that their spiritual leaders asked them to consume cat and dog meat so they won't experience heartbreak," he said. Edited by Deborah Naaki Dowuona