Why Consuming Pets in Nepal is Considered Horrendous

In Nepal, as in many cultures, pets are often viewed as companions and family members rather than food sources. The idea of eating pets, such as dogs or cats, is generally considered horrific, and such practices are strongly stigmatized within the society. This article explores the cultural, emotional, social, and ethical reasons behind this perception.

Cultural Values

One of the most significant reasons why consuming pets is seen as horrific in Nepal is the cultural values upheld by the society, particularly among Hindu communities. In Nepal, animals, including dogs, are often revered and seen as sacred. For example, cows are considered sacred, and dogs are associated with the deity Bhairav, who is a protector deity. This cultural perspective fosters a strong emotional bond between humans and their pets, making the idea of consuming them deeply distressing.

Emotional Attachment

Many pet owners treat their animals as family members. The emotional attachment people have to their pets makes the idea of consuming them profoundly distressing. Many pet owners see their animals as companions that provide love and support. This emotional bond further reinforces the idea that pets should not be used as food sources.

Social Norms

Eating pets is not socially accepted in Nepalese society. There are strong social stigmas attached to the practice, and those who might consider it are often met with outrage and condemnation from their communities. This social stigma acts as a significant deterrent for anyone considering the consumption of pets.

Animal Welfare Concerns

Concerns over animal rights and welfare are also a crucial factor in the perception that eating pets is horrific. With increasing awareness about animal rights and welfare globally, including in Nepal, many people advocate for the humane treatment of animals. This growing awareness contributes to the negative perception of eating pets and further reinforces the cultural stance against it.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

While there are no national laws explicitly banning the consumption of pets in Nepal, various local laws and regulations, along with the influence of animal rights organizations, promote the protection of companion animals. This legal and ethical framework further contributes to the perception that eating pets is inappropriate.

A Showcase of Nepalese Pet Culture: The Tihar Festival

The Tihar Festival is a five-day event that takes place in the fall as part of the Hindu celebration of Diwali, in which dogs play a significant role. The second day of the festival, known as Kukur Tihar, is exclusively devoted to the celebration of dogs. This festival is a stark contrast to the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which is widely condemned for its mass slaughter and consumption of dogs.

During the Tihar Festival, dogs are worshiped as representations of the Hindu god Bhairav. They are adorned with flower garlands as a sign of respect for the beautiful relationship shared between humans and dogs. The red marks on the dog's foreheads signify the animal's sacredness, and they are given tons of treats and delicious food. These practices further emphasize the cultural and emotional importance of dogs in Nepalese society.

For people who love and cherish their dogs, the concept of a festival devoted to the mass slaughter and consumption of dog meat is absolutely repulsive. We believe that dogs should be treated like members of our families and afforded the due care and respect that comes with this status. In Nepal, a festival that celebrates dogs for all the wonderful things that they do for us exists, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural values and emotional bonds that Nepalese society has with their pets.

In conclusion, the perception that consuming pets is horrific in Nepal is a result of a combination of cultural values, emotional bonds, social norms, animal welfare concerns, and ethical considerations. The Tihar Festival and its celebration of dogs further illustrate the strong cultural and emotional attachment Nepalese people have to their pets.

Keywords: Nepal pet culture, Hindu beliefs, Tihar festival, Kukur Tihar, dog worship