A petition signed by more than a quarter of a million people from around the world calling for an end to the brutal dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia has been handed in, the Mirror reports.
The Governor of North Sulawesi, Olly Dondokambey, received the petition after a campaign by Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition, Care 2 and local animal protection groups.
It comes as the Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) coalition produced evidence showing the killings continuing in Tomohon, despite assurances to the contrary from the Mayor's office.
British actor Peter Egan visited coalition representatives earlier this year and was told by officials the trade would end.
The petition calls for the end of the trade in slaughtering cats and dogs and other animals at "traditional markets" throughout North Sulawesi, where the slaughter of thousands of animals takes place each month.
DMFI investigators last week filmed dogs being repeatedly hit over the head and blow-torched to remove their fur while alive.
The majority of animals are stolen pets.
Research showed between eight and 11 per cent of dogs sold for human consumption in markets located throughout the province are infected with rabies.
Peter Egan said he was "shocked and saddened" to see DMFI's latest evidence of horrific dog and cat abuse in Tomohon "the very same abuse that Mr Lolowang of the city mayor's office assured me personally would no longer be taking place."
He added: "It's devastating to know that it's business as usual for the dog and cat meat traders in Tomohon." He urged the authorities to stop it immediately.
Kelly O'Meara, of Humane Society International, said: "Indonesia is a country of world-renowned natural beauty, but its international reputation is marred by the ugly brutality of its dog and cat meat trade.
"With the volume of dogs being smuggled for a trade closely associated with the spread of rabies, coupled with the unsanitary slaughter at markets, innocent travellers could be exposing themselves to dangerous, and even deadly, diseases."
An estimated 12 million tourists visit Indonesia each year and macabre "traditional markets" where cats and dogs are killed are often promoted by local guides.
