Man in Mataram Arrested After Beating Dog and Selling Its Meat

Illustration of a crime perpetrator being arrested (VOI)

MATARAM - A man with the initials IGAJ alias Groge, a resident of Cakranegara District, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) was arrested by the police for allegedly torturing a dog to death and then selling the meat to a stall. His action was recorded on a CCTV camera and the video went viral on social media.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Mataram Police, AKP I Made Dharma Yulia Putra, said the arrest of IGAJ was carried out after a report from the animal lover community.

"The person concerned is suspected of torturing animals to death," said Dharma, Thursday, April 9.

He said the perpetrator was charged with Article 337 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) concerning Animal Abuse.

The case was revealed after an animal rights community reported a video that was widely circulated on social media. The reporter, whose initials are DHA, a resident of Depok City, West Java, along with dozens of animal community members in West Nusa Tenggara.

The police are moving to trace the identity of the perpetrator. Less than 12 hours after the viral video, the perpetrator was arrested along with an accomplice or buyer of dog meat with the initials NL.

"The perpetrator sold the dog to someone in the Cakranegara District. The accomplice with the initials NL has also been secured and we are still investigating it in depth," said Dharma.

The results of the preliminary examination showed that the perpetrator sold the dog carcass for Rp. 60,000 to meet daily needs. The informant admitted that the meat had been consumed or resold.

Police are still investigating the possibility of a wider practice of dog meat trading in Mataram City.

"We are still developing this case to find out if there is another network or dog meat trading business," said Dharma.

Animal observer Doni Herdaru Tona revealed that the incident of dog persecution occurred on Tuesday (7/4/2026) at around 14.54 Wita in the Cakranegara area.

The perpetrator is said to have beaten the dog which was being cared for by a community of animal lovers in an open space. Residents who were at the location did not dare to approach.

"The perpetrator committed violence in an open place and also scolded the residents who scolded him. The community was shocked because the perpetrator looked like he was drunk and carried a blunt object," said Doni.

According to Doni, even stray dogs are still protected by law and should not be abused.

Doni also suspected that this case was related to the dog meat trade. The dog who was beaten to death was allegedly deliberately sought to be sold.

"Dog meat trade has been supplied by stolen dogs or poisoned dogs. After that it is sold to the public," he said.

He asked the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government to immediately issue a firm rule regarding the prohibition of dog meat trade.

The circulation of dog meat is considered potentially dangerous for the community because it does not have veterinary supervision and is at risk of carrying diseases.

The quick steps of the Mataram Police received appreciation from animal lovers and residents. Support was conveyed in various ways, including spreading a thank you letter to the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Mataram Police.

"This is the first record in Indonesia. In less than 12 hours, the perpetrators and the accomplice were immediately secured," said Doni.