Bottomline: I did not intend to feed on it just for the sake, I haven’t had a meal since the day before yesterday, therefore decided to slaughter this dog to use it as food for the next three days
A middle aged man was arrested by officers from Mitheru Police Post in Tharaka-Nithi County on 5th September 2019 after being found with a slaughtered dog meat he had cooked with the intention of feeding on. Martin Munene, son of Mr. Mbijiwe, was arrested at his home in Karimba Village in Magundu by the area chief who was briefed by some villagers that Munene was preparing the dog’s meat.
Munene attributed slaughtering of the dog to lack of a job and hunger that gave him sleepless nights for the past three days. “Here there is no job and there is a lot hunger. “I did not intend to feed on it just for the sake, I haven’t had a meal since the day before yesterday, therefore decided to slaughter this dog to use it as food for the next three days.” Said Munene.
A number of villagers however came to his defense, arguing that drought had taken a toll in the area as hunger pangs were all over urging the government to intervene so as to mitigate its effects.
The residents urged the county government to collaborate with the National government to avail irrigation equipment to residents. “The government should consider us by availing relief food as well as irrigation facilities in this area so that we are able to produce food to feed ourselves.” Said one of the residents.
Public health officials faulted consumption of meat from animals that are not gazetted as sources of animal foods urging residents to shun such acts. “Dog is not gazetted as an animal food therefore people should not treat it as food.” Said a public health officer from Muthambi Sub County who didn’t disclose his identity.
Munene is in police custody awaiting to be arraigned in court tomorrow 6th September 2019.
