Dr. Katherine Polak, Head of Stray Animal Care Southeast Asia for FOUR PAWS
The dog meat trade is big business in Vietnam and threatens the lives of millions of dogs every year, many of them pets. Every day, pets are violently snatched off the streets, from yards, and even while out on a walk with their owners. These unlucky dogs make a brutal journey to slaughterhouses, markets, and restaurants, where a gruesome death awaits them. But times are changing, and the brutality and illegality of pet theft is no longer being tolerated by Vietnamese authorities.
In a landmark case, police in Thanh Hoa Province received a tip off regarding a gang of dog thieves believed to have stolen thousands of dogs since the beginning of the year. On September 15, 2019 the police successfully carried out the largest ever bust of a dog theft ring in Vietnam, resulting in the seizure of 51 dogs. According to the police, the gang carried stun guns and other sharp weapons, and rode motorbikes through residential areas late at night shooting dogs roaming outside. Police arrested a total of 16 suspected gang members and questioned more than 40 suspects. The gang not only brutalized neighborhood dogs, but also caused outrage among local people, particularly pet owners.
Following the interception, Police struggled to properly care for the confiscated dogs given their limited capacity for animal care, so the Asia Canine Protection Alliance (ACPA), of which FOUR PAWS is a member, stepped in to offer assistance. There were 13 dogs in need of immediate medical care due to severe wounds sustained during capture. Dogs with painful open wounds were anaesthetised, treated, provided pain medication and antibiotics, and housed in a temporary shelter for ongoing treatment.
The Asia Canine Protection Alliance is an international alliance of four animal protection organizations committed to ending the illegal trade of dogs in Vietnam: FOUR PAWS, Animals Asia, Humane Society International, and Change for Animals Foundation. ACPA is working to build collaborative relationships with the governments throughout Southeast Asia where the dog meat trade is prevalent, and has already secured a moratorium on the trade in dogs between Thailand and Vietnam.
Following the confiscation, the police publicised the bust throughout the province using local media so that stolen dogs could be reunited with their families.
Over the course of 2 weeks, all 51 dogs were successful reunited with their owners, who were devastated by their pets’ disappearance.
This bust pets a major precedent as dog theft is rarely treated as a criminal offense in Vietnam unless the canines are valued at more than VND2 million ($86).
“These arrests will hopefully go a long way in deterring future dog theft in Thanh Hoa Province, and potentially throughout all of Vietnam. While the dog meat trade is often defended as ‘culture’ or ‘tradition’, the reality is that there are significant health and societal impacts associated with the trade and these are becoming of ever-growing concern within Vietnam and internationally.”
Earlier in the week, the Food Safety Management Board of Ho Chi Minh City urged locals to stop eating dog meat in an effort to improve Vietnam’s national image with tourists. They also warned the local community of the health risks posed by consuming the unregulated meat. This followed a similar call by the Hanoi People’s Committee last year.
In addition to membership in ACPA, FOUR PAWS also runs a ‘Cats Matter Too program‘ in Central Vietnam with local charities PAWS for Compassion and Vietnam Cat Welfare to improve veterinary training, animal welfare education, and provide free spay/neuter services.
The man came to adopt a Pit Bull at the shelter but discovered it was unwilling to part with its dearest companion
In a quiet corner of the animal shelter, a man named John arrived with the intention of adopting a Pit Bull named Max. Max, a resilient and gentle soul, had been through a tumultuous journey before finding refuge in the shelter. His striking features and warm brown eyes had caught John’s attention through an online adoption profile.
As John entered the shelter, a wave of anticipation mixed with nervousness washed over him. He had read about Max’s past struggles and was determined to provide him with a loving home. The shelter staff greeted John warmly, leading him to Max’s enclosure.
Upon reaching Max’s kennel, John was met with an unexpected sight. Max, a robust and muscular Pit Bull, was not alone. Nestled beside him was a smaller, frail dog with expressive eyes that mirrored Max’s own kindness. The bond between the two was palpable, and it became evident that they were inseparable companions.
Curiosity and compassion overcame John as he inquired about the smaller dog’s story. The shelter staff explained that the smaller dog, named Buddy, had been rescued alongside Max from an abusive environment. The two had formed an unbreakable bond during their time at the shelter, providing each other comfort and solace.
As John entered the shelter, a wave of anticipation mixed with nervousness washed over him. He had read about Max’s past struggles and was determined to provide him with a loving home. The shelter staff greeted John warmly, leading him to Max’s enclosure.
Upon reaching Max’s kennel, John was met with an unexpected sight. Max, a robust and muscular Pit Bull, was not alone. Nestled beside him was a smaller, frail dog with expressive eyes that mirrored Max’s own kindness. The bond between the two was palpable, and it became evident that they were inseparable companions.
Curiosity and compassion overcame John as he inquired about the smaller dog’s story. The shelter staff explained that the smaller dog, named Buddy, had been rescued alongside Max from an abusive environment. The two had formed an unbreakable bond during their time at the shelter, providing each other comfort and solace.
As John observed the dynamic between Max and Buddy, a realization dawned on him. Adopting Max meant adopting Buddy as well, for their connection was a testament to the strength of their companionship. Undeterred by the unexpected twist, John decided to open his heart and home to both dogs, acknowledging the profound impact they had on each other.
The adoption process unfolded with paperwork and joyful tail wags. Max and Buddy, now aware that their lives were about to take a positive turn, emanated gratitude in their every glance. As they left the shelter, John could feel the gratitude and loyalty radiating from the two dogs, and a sense of fulfillment settled within him.
Back at John’s home, Max and Buddy seamlessly integrated into their new surroundings. It became evident that their bond wasn’t just born out of shared adversity but was a testament to the resilience of love and the healing power of companionship. Max, initially adopted for his strength and protectiveness, showed a tender and nurturing side when it came to looking out for Buddy.
In the weeks that followed, John witnessed the transformation of the two dogs. Max’s once guarded demeanor softened, and Buddy, once timid and fearful, blossomed under the reassuring presence of his loyal friend. Their story became a beacon of hope for the shelter staff and an inspiration for others considering pet adoption.
The narrative of Max and Buddy demonstrated that adoption is not merely a one-way act of kindness; it is a reciprocal exchange of love and trust. John, thinking he was saving Max, found himself equally saved by the unwavering friendship of these two resilient souls. The once broken spirits of Max and Buddy mended each other, creating a harmonious melody of healing in the quiet corners of John’s home.
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