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 susp​ects. 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 Shivering Pup’s Second Chance: The Riveting Water Tunnel Rescue

On the fateful day of July 11, an emotional rollercoaster unfolded, triggering a rapid response from both firefighters and dedicated RSPCA personnel. Their mission? To rescue a distressed dog from a perilous situation that sent shockwaves through the community.

The clock struck 2:45 PM when these heroes arrived on the scene, their hearts resolute to save the helpless pup.

Trapped and frightened, the dog had no means to break free, but the arrival of these devoted rescuers signaled a glimmer of hope in the midst of despair. Their meticulous efforts would pave the way for the triumphant liberation of the trembling canine, offering it the warmth and care it craved.

The rescue operation was a true spectacle, featuring a symphony of ladders, teamwork, and unwavering determination. These courageous souls worked tirelessly until the shivering dog was finally set free from its harrowing ordeal. Following this remarkable rescue, the dog found itself in the loving care of the Woodside RSPCA Animal Centre, where plans were set in motion to reunite the pup with its rightful owner.

As the firefighters and RSPCA heroes arrived at the scene, their hearts sank at the sight that greeted them—a weary, shivering dog submerged in the frigid waters of the culvert. It was evident that this loyal companion had endured an agonizing ordeal for far too long.

With the tender care and support provided by the Woodside RSPCA Animal Centre and the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Loughborough Station, the dog was extracted from its dire predicament with utmost care and precision, immediately wrapped in warmth and comfort.

The Castle Donington Fire Station shared their feelings about the rescue, saying, “When we reached the scene, our hearts sank as we found the dog shivering in the cold water running through the culvert. It was clear that the poor pup had been there for quite some time. So with immense care and help from the Woodside RSPCA Animal Centre and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Loughborough Station, we carefully extricated the dog from the culvert, providing immediate comfort and warmth. With RSPCA assistance, we made sure that this brave little soul was reunited with its owner.”

The intense rescue mission reached its conclusion around 3:20 PM, as confirmed by the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

This incident carries a poignant message for all dog owners, serving as a reminder to exercise caution when their beloved pets are in the vicinity of water bodies. The Castle Donington Fire Station underscored the importance of pet microchipping and discouraged individuals from venturing into the water to rescue their pets. Instead, they encouraged people to reach out to emergency services for assistance.

The touching rescue of the shivering dog from the water tunnel is a testament to the unwavering dedication and compassion of those who labored relentlessly to ensure the safety and well-being of this four-legged friend.