A debate over food safety at restaurants across Kazakhstan has erupted on social media after a recent podcast by Timur Balymbetov reignited public concern.
In the podcast, activist Sergei Snegirev and blogger Temirlan Tospayev alleged that some restaurants in Astana use dog meat, and that certain well-known establishments allegedly serve ground dog meat mixed with other meats.
Social media backlash grows
The claims triggered a wave of reactions online, with users recalling previous incidents and expressing outrage that those responsible often receive only minor fines while businesses continue operating.
One of the most widely discussed posts came from Zhanna Papina on Facebook. She referenced a 2023 incident involving the Taraz cafe Entrecote Grill & Lounge, where dog meat was allegedly served as pork ribs.
Read also: President Tokayev approves new animal welfare rules in Kazakhstan.
Papina attached an official letter from the city’s Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, which stated that dog DNA had been detected in the dish. The establishment was fined at the time and remains open.
At the same time, users on Threads began sharing other alleged and documented cases while criticizing penalties they say fail to deter illegal activity in the food service industry.
Past criminal case resurfaces
A Threads user identified as ai.karim recalled an official statement from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the arrest of a former veterinarian in the Akmola region. According to the statement, the man allegedly used tranquilizers to capture stray dogs, slaughtered them, and supplied the meat to restaurants in the capital.
Authorities reportedly found 750 kilograms of dog meat during a search of the suspect’s property, and one Astana cafe admitted purchasing 150 kilograms of the product. The court later found the supplier guilty of animal cruelty and imposed a fine.
«I watched @balukz’s video, and the man who supplied dog meat to many restaurant chains in Astana got off with a mere fine of 690,000 tenge (about $1,500). That’s not punishment. Authorities found 750 kilograms of pure ground dog meat in his house. And who supplies him with these dogs? Where does he get them? Why is everything so absurd?» the user wrote.
Calls for tougher penalties
Many Kazakhstanis argue that as long as restaurants and illegal meat suppliers face only administrative penalties instead of prison sentences and immediate business closures, the shadow market for illicit meat products in the food service industry will continue to operate.
