Title: “A Heartwarming Tale of Rescue and Redemption”
In a remote wooded area, near the boundaries of a private property, an extraordinary story of compassion and resilience unfolded. A litter of puppies, abandoned and trapped beneath a formidable iron fence, found themselves in a perilous situation that would change their lives forever.
One fateful day, a compassionate soul stumbled upon this heart-wrenching scene. Among the trapped puppies, one stood out, its condition dire – emaciated, dehydrated, and squeezed behind the unforgiving iron bars. The little pup was not just battling confinement; it was also suffering from severe mange, a painful skin condition caused by parasites, and was severely underweight.
Without a moment’s hesitation, this kind-hearted Samaritan sprang into action. They cradled the injured puppy in their arms, feeling its fragile heartbeat against their chest, and rushed it to a nearby veterinary clinic. The pup’s fate now rested in the hands of dedicated animal enthusiasts determined to help this young canine recover.
At the veterinary clinic, the pup received immediate medical attention and nourishment. The veterinarian, touched by the resilience of the little one, expressed optimism, assuring that, despite its minor injuries, a full recovery was within reach. What this brave puppy needed most was a caring owner who would provide the love and nourishment it deserved.
In an inspiring twist of fate, the person who had rescued the puppy ultimately decided to give it a forever home. Their heart was big enough to embrace another, and since they already had another dog, this unfortunate pup finally found everything it had ever longed for in a home – a devoted owner and the warm embrace of loving companionship.
As we reflect on this remarkable journey, our best wishes go out to this resilient pup. Its story serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the strength of the human-animal bond. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate individual who not only rescued but also adopted this sweet soul, proving that even in the darkest of moments, there is always a glimmer of hope.
51 DOGS RESCUED FROM THE DOG MEAT TRADE IN VIETNAM
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.
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