Three held over dog meat

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - The Osu Police have arrested three persons, who allegedly stole a dog and slaughtered it for food.

Frank Obodai, a painter and Emmanuel Asante were alleged to have sold the 400-dollar dog for 20,000 cedis to Awuni Asibi, a trader. The owner of the dog Mr Donald Lokko, however, chanced on them when he saw the three busily roasting his dog, near the seashore at Osu. Briefing the GNA, Assistant Superintendent of Police James Annor, said on November 9, this year, at about 0800 hours, Mr Donald Lokko, an airline official, lodged a complainant about his missing dog, (an exotic breed) which he bought for 400 dollars.

ASP Annor said Mr Lokko, who traded in dogs, later had information that some persons were seen carrying a dog in chain to the seaside at Osu. He said Mr Lokko, therefore, followed up and saw that his dog had been slaughtered and was being roasted by the three suspects, while the chain was lying near by.

Mr Lokko reported to the Police, who also rushed to scene and found Asibi and Obodai busily roasting the dog.

ASP Annor said during Police interrogation, Asante confessed that at about the 0100 hours the dog entered his premises and he drove it away. Asante said at 0400 hours while jogging along the seashore, he spotted the same dog, which was very weak.

ASP Annor said Asante indicated that after picking the animal, he met Obodai, who told him that he knew Awuni as someone who patronised dog meat so he sold the dog to him for 20,000 cedis. Asante said he took 10,000 cedis and gave the rest to Obodai. The ASP said the roasted dog was being kept in a refrigerator for evidence.

He said Asibi has been charged with dishonestly receiving while Obodai and Asante were facing charges of stealing and meting out cruelty to an animal. They would soon be put before a court.