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No evidence of dogs
as food has surfaced

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Question: Just what does the Hawaiian Humane Society and the state Legislature intend to do about this killing and stealing dogs for food? Other states have done something and we're remiss here. I'm sure this is a cultural thing, but as the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Here we don't have the majority of people eating dogs, let alone stealing their neighbor's pet. I refuse to give any more to the humane society until it takes some kind of action.

Answer: The Hawaiian Humane Society takes exception to your statement that it has done nothing about reports of people stealing, selling and eating dogs.

And, it says it has brought the issue of tougher animal cruelty and animal welfare laws before lawmakers in the past and will continue to do so.

The humane society has heard rumors for years about dogs being stolen, then sold for food, but it has never been able to substantiate them, said spokeswoman Jacque Smith.

In August it was reported that stolen dogs were being sold out of the back of a white van to be eaten.

(There is no law in Hawaii prohibiting people from killing their own dogs, as long as it is done humanely, nor against people eating dogs. However, stealing and killing someone else's animal is illegal.)

Smith said the humane society contacted the Honolulu Police Department immediately after receiving the same report about the dognapping and eating, and issued a news release soliciting the community's help.

She said only one call was received.

HPD Detective Letha DeCaires, coordinator of the CrimeStoppers program, said the police investigation is "ongoing," as is the humane society's.

(Call the humane society at 946-2187 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 with any information.)

Meanwhile, Smith said only a "handful" of states have laws regarding the sale and consumption of dog meat: Only New York and California prohibit the slaughter, sale and consumption of dog meat, while five other states prohibit the slaughter and/or sale, but not consumption.

The bright spot in this whole matter is that a community dialogue has been generated about the morality of what we eat "and whose culture can dictate the rules," Smith said.

"Some think that in the animal hierarchy that cows, lambs, pigs, chickens, rabbits, dogs and cats are equal," she noted. "Is it fair to single out dogs? It's quite a complex issue that deserves rigorous discussion."

The humane society is bringing the issue to state lawmakers again next year, and Smith said it encourages "all our members and supporters to be vocal constituents."

Mahalo

To the Honolulu Police Department for tagging drivers using the H-2 freeway's shoulder as a private lane every morning. We've seen motorcycle officers stop several cars in recent days. Hopefully, people will get the message that they need to take driving more seriously. -- Dean

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