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.
“A Cop’s Compassion: Abandoned Dog’s Tearful Plea Earns a Forever Home”
In the quiet solitude of a deserted street, a small puppy sat forlorn and motionless, embodying a sense of despair that tugged at the heartstrings of anyone who chanced upon its gaze. Tear-filled eyes spoke volumes of the dog’s plight, abandoned and forgotten, left with nowhere to call home. With a heart heavy with desolation, the dog’s only glimmer of hope was to approach a nearby police base, a silent plea for assistance echoing in its every step.
The dog’s destiny hung in the balance, unsure if anyone would heed its silent cries. Yet, propelled by necessity, the pup summoned its courage and approached the door of the police base. As fate would have it, a compassionate policeman stood close by, his attention drawn to the faint knocking. Opening the door, he was met with a heart-rending sight: a little dog, its eyes filled with a poignant mixture of vulnerability and supplication. In that instant, the policeman’s heart melted, swayed by the dog’s touching plea for help. Gently, he inquired, “What brings you here, little one?” In response, the dog mustered a tentative wag of its tail, eyes gleaming with a glimmer of hope. With resolve solidified, the officer scooped up the trembling pup, ushering it into the safety of the police base.
From that moment on, a transformation took place — one that would shape the destiny of both the dog and its newfound protector. The puppy found itself embraced by the warm embrace of the police base, quickly endearing itself to the officers within. Its loyalty and affection became apparent, igniting a genuine bond that resonated throughout the base’s corridors. The dog’s presence became a source of solace and camaraderie, a reminder of the remarkable ability of animals to forge connections that transcend words.
With each passing day, the dog’s life underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. It was given a new name: Lucky, embodying the newfound fortune that had smiled upon it. Lucky’s once desolate existence now blossomed into a life brimming with love, care, and companionship. It proved itself as a faithful and devoted companion, a steadfast friend to those who had taken it in.
Lucky’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and the profound impact that even a small gesture of kindness can have on a life. It serves as a reminder that amid the challenges of the world, there is always room for humanity to shine through. The bond between Lucky and the police officers is a symbol of the unwavering devotion that animals bring into our lives, and the reciprocal love that can flourish when we extend a helping hand.
In conclusion, the heartwarming tale of Lucky, the abandoned dog who found solace within the embrace of a police base, resonates as a testament to the resilience of animals and the boundless capacity of humans to show compassion. Lucky’s journey from despair to hope serves as an inspiration, underscoring the importance of extending empathy to the voiceless and reminding us that every act of kindness creates ripples of positivity that enrich lives in unimaginable ways.
Leave a Reply