Abstract

Key Terms: Dog meat eating, Cultural relativism,

Introduction

The Cordillera is one of the places in the Philippines known for the consumption
of dog meat. Nine out of ten Cordilleran men are dog eaters. Dog meat eating has been
a part of the Igorot culture even before its commercialization. Long before Spain had
colonized the Philippines, the Malay ancestors had been domesticating animals such as
cattle and dogs for religious sacrifices and for their personal needs – as it is today.

The Cordillerans slaughter dogs as sacrifices done in a solemn way. This

practice has a spiritual significance for the natives for it is incorporated in Canao rituals
like the “Sagawsaw” and the “Dantey” where a dog is butchered and offered to their
gods1. The insides of the opened up animals were analyzed intently based on the
shapes of the internal organs and directions of the intestines. Based on the analysis, the
natives make a conclusion whether they will win or lose the battle.

The Igorots also believe that the spirits of the sacrificed dogs would serve as
their guardian during war. The family dog might also have been sacrificed to appease
the spirits, and assign the soul of the dog to guard the spirits of the living family
members (Caleja, 2011). Generally, the Cordillerans’ sacrificial or ceremonial animals
are not only limited to dogs. Other animals like chicken, pig and carabao are also
butchered for special occasions.

Through time, dog meat became a traditional cuisine that is served as a viand or
as “pulutan”. Dog meat started to became an ingredient in cuisines like the Pinikpikan
and Adobo. During the 80’s, the commercialization of dog meat became rampant in
Benguet when restaurants serving dog meat in their menu started sprouting in Baguio
City. Until now, trading and serving of dog meat continue in parts of Baguio and
Benguet.

1
Rubylena Bolinto, CAÑAO: HEART OF THE CORDILLERAN CULTURE, Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK Europe(ICBE),
http://icbe.eu/home-2/248-canao-heart-of-the-cordilleran-culture, accessed 10 April 2015
Significance of the Study

This research would make people from other societies and cultures understand
the cultural relevance of eating dog meat for the Igorots. The understanding of such will
help clear out the notion that Igorots are immoral and unethical for their consumption of
dog meat.

Scope and Limitations

This research was conducted to prove the morality of the practice of dog meat
eating by the Cordillerans.

Statement of the Problem

While dog meat eating practices are frowned upon by many, the practice of dog
meat eating by the Cordillerans must be viewed as ethical and moral. This research
aims to justify this by:

1) Proving that humans, by nature, have the right to eat meat including dogs.

2) Explaining the theory of cultural relativism.

3) Proving that the practice of dog meat eating is part of the Cordilleran culture and
must be respected rather than abolished.

Body

Humans are the most complex organisms on Earth. Humans are in fact on the
top of the food chain and they are required to eat meat for their survival. Humans and
pre-humans have been eating meat throughout evolution. Their digestive systems have
been designed to utilize the healthy fats, proteins and other nutrients found in animal
food. Meat consist of highly good amount of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins A, B1,
B2, and many other nutrients that cannot be found in any plants, such as vitamin B12.

Dog meat is not an exception. It also contains nutrients that are highly needed in
the human body. Dog meat contains high-quality protein and fiber which is good for
digestion. Eating dog meat can enhance physique, promote blood circulation and
improve sexual function. Dog meat has lower cholesterol content than pork, chicken or
duck meat. (Effectiveness of dog meat)

The nutritional value of dog meat (in 100g)

Ingredient Unit Dog meat (raw)

Energy Cal 26.2

Water % 60.1

Protein g 19.0

Fat g 20.2

Sugar g 0.1

Fiber g 0

Ash mg 800

Calcium mg 9

Phosphorous mg 168

Iron mg 2.8

Sodium mg 72
Potassium mg 270

Vitamin

A(retinol) µg 12

β-Caroteine µg

B1 mg 0.12

B2 mg 0.18

Niacin mg 1.9

C mg 3

Cholesterol mg 44.4

Cholesterol content of meat (100g of meat per mg)

Meat Content

Bone of ox 2,247.5

Yolk of egg 1,280.7

Lung of pig 438.6

A small kind of octopus 120.1

Flatfish 93.7

Tuna 82.4
Duck meat 77.6

Chicken 72.6

Pork 65.2

Sirloin of Korean cow 64.2

Mackerel 63.7

Pork back meat 55.3

Powdered milk 46.7

Dog meat 44.4

Many theories and perspectives try to explain the morality of an act. One of these
theories and perspectives is Cultural relativism.

Cultural relativism is a theory that describes the simple fact that there are
different cultures and each has different ways of behaving, thinking and feeling as its
members learn such from the previous generation (Pecorino, 2000). It is the view that
all beliefs, customs, and ethics are relative to one’s own social context. What is moral
for one culture may not be moral for another. It is not possible to truly understand
certain actions or customs without also understanding the culture from which those
actions are derived. The idea is not to judge the action, but simply to understand it
based on the culture in which it occurs (Kraft).
 Cultural relativism means that the function and meaning of a trait are relative to
its cultural setting. A trait is neither good nor bad in itself. It is good or bad only with
reference to the culture in which it is to function.2

Truth is viewed by cultural relativists as something that is variable rather than

absolute. Right and wrong is solely determined by the individual and by the society.
Cultural relativism sees nothing wrong with any cultural expression.3

The acceptability of the dog eating practices is supported by the theory of

Cultural relativism. This is because the practice of dog meat eating in the Cordilleras
has become a custom of the people; it is an act that is seen as right by the natives.

The practice of dog meat eating by the Cordillerans was made known to the
world during the 1900’s. In 1904, Louis World’s Fair, also called the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of
Louisiana from France by the United States. One of the many exhibits held in the fair
was the Philippine exhibit. The Philippine exhibit included the Tagalogs, Viscayans,
Muslims, Igorots, Tinguianes, Pampangans, Kalingas, Mangyans, Negritos, and
Bagobos. (Pilapil, 1994)

According Dr. Virgilio Pilapil, the Igorots were the greatest attraction in the fair
not only because of their novelty, the scanty dressing of the males and their daily
dancing to the tom-tom beats, but also because of their appetite for dog meat which is a
normal part of their diet.

20 dogs a week were provided to the Igorots but this amount did not appear to be
sufficient, as they had also encouraged local people to bring them dogs which they
bought to supplement their daily needs. (Pilapil, 1994)

In a book by Felix M. Keesing entitled Taming Philippine Headhunters, it is

mentioned that dog killing in the Cordilleras was traced from 6000 to 8000 years more

2
Cultural Relativism, Sociology Guide, http://www.sociologyguide.com/basic-concepts/Cultural-Relativism.php ,
accessed 10 April 2015.
3
What is Cultural Relativism? Got Questions? , http://www.gotquestions.org/cultural-relativism.html, accessed 10
April 2015.
or less. In an excerpt from the book, he says: “Perhaps six to eight thousand years ago,
according to Professor Beyer’s estimate, there came by sea in canoes a folk to whom
he gives the rather formal name ‘Type A Indonesian’… The dog seems to be their only
domesticated animal, and was apparently used – as it is today – for religious sacrifices
and ceremonial feastings.” (Caleja, 2011)

Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people,

defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
(Zimmermann, 2015)

Culture is the highest expression of what it means to be human. It is a measure

of our species' contribution to planetary biodiversity. Cultural preservation emphasizes
the need to protect, restore, and honor all forms of cultural. It is a cornerstone
of community. (Cultural Preservation)

Conclusion

The practice of dog meat eating by the Cordillerans is acceptable. This is

because it has been a part of their culture and their customs. Natives see this practice
as something that is acceptable and is within the norms of their society. Cultural
relativism supports the claim that this practice of the Cordillerans is acceptable.

Cordillerans have incorporated dog meat eating in their rituals and later on
became a part of their traditional cuisine. This is evidenced by various authors who
have researched on the said topic. Dog meat eating has been a part of the Cordillerans
culture. Culture is our species contribution to planetary diversity. Without culture, we will
become a dull global village. Dog meat eating is a part of the Cordilleras culture and
therefore must be respected and preserved for it provides a differentiation and diversity
in society.

Recommendations
 It is recommended to the future researchers to study the ethical issues on dog
meat eating practice not only in the Cordillera but also in some other places in the
Philippines. Additional ethical principles should be presented to prove the morality of
dog meat eating. Future researchers should also study the ethical issues on the
consumption of other exotic meat such as cat meat.

Bibliography
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