A groundbreaking online tool to fight companion animal cruelty in Vietnam receives expansion to make it even mightier. After the initial pilot phase in late 2022, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS launches an updated version of its reporting tool that empowers citizens and tourists alike to register any incidents relating to the dog and cat meat trade (DCMT) that they witness, such as dog and cat meat restaurants, meat markets and companion animal theft. These reports are submitted anonymously and securely to aid the enforcement of existing laws and help shaping policy changes for a betterment of millions of dogs and cats in Vietnam. FOUR PAWS calls yet again for a nationwide ban on all aspects of the cruel DCMT.
Since its inception in the Vietnamese provinces of Quang Nam and Da Nang the FOUR PAWS reporting tool has garnered substantial public interest. Between November 2022 and December 2024, a staggering 597 DCMT-related reports (detailing 1549 incidents) of animal cruelty were registered through the tool. The vast majority – 364 cases – consisted of documented thefts of pets and strays. An estimated total of 6,081 dogs and 3,695 cats were affected.
Rebecca Dharmpaul, Dog and Cat Meat Trade Specialist at FOUR PAWS, says: “The strong community involvement of hundreds of concerned citizens and tourists that reported cases emphasized the need to expand the tool nationwide. With this update, FOUR PAWS hopes to receive more information about animal cruelty from people across Vietnam, providing a comprehensive overview of the DCMT that will allow us to work more conveniently with stakeholders and the Government. There is a clear demand from animal lovers from Vietnam and abroad to protect the most vulnerable and most beloved animals, a sentiment which we wholeheartedly share. Together we constantly find new ways to better protect our beloved dogs and cats as well as the wider animal population.”
The complexity of the trade
Many of these reports include a variety of different cases, from capture to sale. Almost one quarter (23%) of reported incidents include the theft of an animal. Witnessing the cruelty of a dog and cat meat trade restaurant was reported in 22% of the cases. An alarming 206 incidents reported (13%) describe the use of poisoned baits to catch animals. This grim act is not only harmful to the caught animals but also poses a severe threat to other animals and also humans. In addition, the regularity of the trade – more cases were reported as happening during the week, fewer during the weekends – suggests that the traffickers are pursuing this cruel activity in a full-time manner.
“Experiencing any aspect of the cruel trade can be a difficult and traumatic experience for every person, but especially for children. For children the context is difficult to grasp, being highly susceptible to their surroundings and then seeing the injustice and pain that is inflicted on these animals. With this reporting tool we not only want to protect the lives of millions of cats and dogs but also shield locals and tourists, including children, from the emotional and psychological impact this trade conveys,” says Ms. Phan Thanh Dung, Animal Welfare Issues Coordinator (Dogs/Cats) at FOUR PAWS Vietnam.
The legal side in Vietnam calls for a holistic approach
Next to thievery, the uncontrolled mass transport of dogs and cats throughout the country is mostly illegal. A 2024 report by FOUR PAWS showcased the massive amount of animals that are trafficked through the bottleneck of Ha Tinh province, emphasizing the importance of strict traffic laws and executions. The transport of unvaccinated animals in stressful and unhygienic conditions also increases the risk of zoonotic emergence and spread, as dogs and cats may transmit pathogens that they are carrying during transport to other animals and those involved in the trade.
An easy-to-use online reporting tool for everyone
FOUR PAWS encourages all witnesses of activities related to the DCMT to come forward and use the reporting tool, which can be accessed by the following web link or by scanning the QR code in the banner. By reporting these incidents, the public plays an active role in safeguarding companion animal welfare and pushing for legislative changes.
- Visit https://dogcatmeat.four-paws.org.vn/help-us-report-a-case
- Provide details about the incident you witnessed
- Submit your information anonymously
The new version of FOUR PAWS Reporting Tool does not require personal information from the report sender and only collects information related to DCMT incidents – helping to facilitate the reporting process. Any personal information included in a submitted report is anonymized and kept secure. At this time, the reporting tool gathers data and information about dog and cat meat trade activities; it is not a tool that can currently support immediate law enforcement. If you require immediate support for an animal, please contact the local authorities or rescue groups in the area.
Future Implications
Data collected through the reporting tool will be used to inform policymakers, to support legislative efforts, and to guide the organisation’s future campaigns. FOUR PAWS remains committed to working with local communities and government officials to ensure a humane and lawful approach towards animals across Vietnam.
Background on DCMT Each year, more than six million dogs and cats are brutally slaughtered in Vietnam. A FOUR PAWS survey conducted in early 2021 across Vietnam found that the majority of Vietnamese want their government to take action, with a total of 91% saying the trade should be banned or discouraged. When asked if they would support a ban on the dog and cat meat trade, 88% of respondents said that they would be in favour of such a measure. In addition, respondents were asked if they felt consumption of dog and cat meat was part of Vietnamese culture, with the resounding answer being no, with 95% indicating that this was not part of their culture.
