GERMANY: Dachshunds Are Tenderer

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To a war menu which already included fish-fed poultry, decrepit horses, goats, and numerous zoo animals, Germany last week added those of its dogs which had not been killed by an earlier decree to save food (TIME, July 15). A new law, effective Jan. 1, states that dogs, wolves, foxes, bears, badgers and wild hogs have been legalized as meat. After being inspected for trichina, their carcasses will be dressed, stamped and distributed to butchers for rationing to general consumers.

Dog meat has been eaten in every major German crisis at least since the time Frederick the Great, and is commonly referred to as "blockade mutton." It is tough, gamy, strong-flavored. In boiling or roasting, it gives off an odor reminiscent of a neglected zoo. Of European dog breeds, German dachshund is considered the most succulent. Cat, known as "roof rabbit," like rabbit, except sweeter and tougher. It can be fried like chicken or prepared casserole. Horse meat is dark, coarse, sweet and, except in young horses, very tough. Mixed with pork, it is used Italian and Hungarian salami and is the poor man's meat throughout Europe. General consumers in Germany get only old horses for food because the younger ones go to the Army.