Hanoi – December 9th, 2024, the global animal welfare organization – FOUR PAWS International has organized the meeting “Journey to compassion – Support for dog and cat welfare in Vietnam”. The event brought together representatives from central and provincial governments, international organizations, NGOs, and tourism companies to celebrate Vietnam’s progress in improving companion animal welfare. It also aimed to strengthen partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders at both national and international levels towards ending the dog and cat meat trade.
The event highlighted the growing public support in Vietnam for ending the trade, and provided FOUR PAWS the opportunity to present their international petition to key stakeholders, having collected over 2.2 million signatures globally, including 250,000 from Vietnamese citizens, calling for an end to this practice in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Karanvir (Karan) Kukreja, Head of Campaigns Southeast Asia Companion Animals for FOUR PAWS International, shared:
“We are honored to host the second stakeholder seminar today to accelerate the end of the dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam. Each year, public, corporate and political support for this cause continues to grow, as evidenced by the 2.2 million global signatures, widespread enthusiasm in Vietnam for our “Journey to Compassion” roadshow across the country, and over 24 thousand letters sent to the Prime Minister supporting a ban. Ending this trade is crucial to meeting public expectations, reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases, and enhancing Vietnam’s image as a friendly tourism destination. There is a role for everyone in fighting the risks of this trade, and we look forward to more support. FOUR PAWS is committed to work with stakeholders to develop the most suitable solutions to end this trade which presents health, reputational and financial risks to Vietnam.”
The event also provided an opportunity for international delegates to share their experiences in banning the dog and cat meat trade. Mr. Lin Sileap, from the Animal Health and Production Office of Siem Reap Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cambodia, shared insights into the successes and challenges of the dog meat trade ban in Siem Reap issued in 2020.
Additionally, a presentation by Ms. Lola Webber, a dog and cat meat trade campaign consultant who worked on Humane Society International (HSI)’s South Korea Dog Meat Trade campaign, offered valuable insights into the dog meat trade in South Korea. She detailed the efforts and progress that led to the groundbreaking nationwide ban on the dog meat trade in January 2024.
The event also featured discussions among representatives from the local government, public health and the tourism sector. They evaluated the impact of the dog and cat meat trade on Vietnam’s reputation as a tourism destination.
Ms. Vu Huong Giang, Managing Director and Sustainability Coordinator at Easia Travel, remarked:
“International tourists are increasingly concerned about animal welfare and ethical tourism practices. Easia has actively raised awareness among our clients about the dog and cat meat trade, appropriate treatment of companion animals to ensure safety, and cruelty-free experiences, such as food tours that do not involve dog or cat meat. Collaboration with organizations like FOUR PAWS and government agencies is essential to creating industry-wide change while positioning Vietnam as a leader in sustainable tourism practices.”
Ms. Tran Thi Hong Trang, Director of Hoi An Agricultural Technology Center, represents Hoi An People’s Committee emphasized:
“Hoi An becoming a dog and cat meat free city has enhanced the city’s tourism image while aligning with national sustainable tourism development goals. However, lingering negative perceptions about ending the dog and cat meat trade could undermine Vietnam’s efforts to attract international tourists.”
Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc, Acting Director of the National Institute of Veterinary Research, shared:
“The dog and cat meat trade, as well as unregulated stray animals, contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases like rabies, posing risks to both residents and visitors. Humane population management of dogs can minimize the disease transmission cycle. Reducing the trade aligns with public health priorities by lowering infectious disease risks and improving community safety.”
The valuable insights and experiences shared by participants provided essential information and opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to building a Vietnam that is humane toward both humans and animals, free from the dog and cat meat trade.
FOUR PAWS remains committed to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to address the risks of the trade and to work toward its complete cessation in Vietnam, leading to a safer future for people and for animals.
ENDS
FOUR PAWS works in Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia with national and local authorities, partners, and other stakeholders for a sustainable end to the dog and cat meat trade. For more information on our work, please visit:
www.dogcatmeat.four-paws.org.vn/
To keep updated on our work, please follow: https://www.facebook.com/fourpaws.viet
