Now, I knew that Uzbekistan’s Korean population eats dog meat, but, as TOL reports, it is in such high demand amongst Uzbeks that it is the priciest meat in Andijon’s markets–demanding ten times the price beef or pork. The high price, about $20 per kilogram according to the story, is leading to rampant theft of dogs.
For those unable or unwilling to find the cash, there is, of course, another option: to grab a dog from the streets, or elsewhere.
“I have already bought puppies three times, but once they get a little bigger, they disappear,” says Hamid Mutalov, a local trader. “Several of my neighbors who’ve done time in prison have been stealing and eating dogs,” he claims.
Why such high demand for dog meat? It’s apparently believed to be a cure-all, and many with tuberculosis are unable to afford treatment. So dogs, which are much easier to get one’s hands on than regular (and effective) TB treatements, are what those afflicted with the disease are resorting to for treatment. The explanation for why dog meat is effective is quite novel.
With its Far Eastern reputation as a medicine for many ills, it was perhaps natural for Uzbeks to turn to dog meat. And, at a very basic level, the stories have some rational origin: dogs are more resistant to tuberculosis than many other animals.
Doctors are, of course, critical of the belief, and its popular acceptance is likely only leading to the further spread of the disease as few are seeking effective treatment. And Islamic leaders are critical of the practice as a violation of Islamic law.
Some traders in the Andijon bazaar says that some Uzbeks though, aren’t interested in dog meat for treating diseases at all. Instead, they simply find it delicious and nutritious, something they’ve discovered from their Korean neighbors. Kind of like Robert J. Koehler.
This post was written by...
Nathan Hamm – author of 2974 posts on Registan.net.
Nathan is the Founding Editor and Publisher of Registan.net, which he launched in 2003. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uzbekistan 2000-2001 and received his MA in Central Asian Studies from the University of Washington in 2007. Since 2007, he has worked full-time as an analyst, consulting with private and government clients on Central Asian affairs, specializing in how socio-cultural and political factors shape risks and opportunities and how organizations can adjust their strategic and operational plans to account for these variables. Nathan is currently seeking research, analysis, and consulting opportunities. He can be contacted via Twitter or email.
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