Vietnamese National Assembly Members to tackle dog and cat meat trade
A Roundtable discussion aiming to combat dog and cat meat consumption and trade was convened by Soi Dog Foundation International and Social and Behavior Change Science Agency Intelligentmedia with the National Assembly of Viet Nam on 4th July 2023. The event, bringing together nearly 50 Parliamentarians, government officials, and specialists, highlights the value of the National Assembly uniting various stakeholders in Vietnamese society to tackle the issue as a serious and urgent problem and build momentum toward responsible pet guardianship.
Five million dogs and one million cats are brutally traded and killed for meat per year in Vietnam. The World Health Organization warns that the trade, slaughter, and consumption of dogs pose public health risks from trichinellosis and cholera and particularly the deadly rabies virus. Despite the increasing number of citizens who are fighting to end this practice, some groups still consider dog and cat meat a delicacy. It then motivates traders to continue their work in wet markets.
The discussions on 4th July 2023 encourage a more comprehensive understanding of the existing situation of the dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam, the efforts of various authorities and ministries on pet management, associated legal frameworks, and communication attempts.
Mr Nguyen Tuan Anh, Vice Chairman of Board of The Deputy Affairs (under Standing Committee of The National Assembly said: “Dog and cat meat trade and consumption are increasingly burning issues. Animal welfare has been of the government’s supervisory sector. Viet Nam has a legal framework on the issue, but enforcement is the major loophole. This must be enhanced at all levels in the short term. In addition, targeted communication campaigns should be amplified so that involved actors realize that strengthening welfare standards not only improves the lives of animals; but can also educate the public about the zoonotic disease risks that they might face. More than that, the reputation of the nation in an increasingly “greener” planet. I support innovative and impactful initiatives to reduce and stop the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat in Viet Nam.”
Mr Nguyen Tuan Anh, Vice Chairman of Board of The Deputy Affairs (under Standing Committee of The National Assembly)
One prominent conversation revolved around strategy and roadmap to develop Hanoi as a dog and cat meat-free city.
Mr. Ta Van Tuong, Vice Director of Hanoi Department of Agriculture said: “Being the cultural heart of Viet Nam, it’s critical for Ha Noi – the country’s capital to maintain its prestige as a cultural-based, civilized, and dynamic city. Phasing out dog and cat meat is key to attracting more tourists who are increasingly caring for environmental tourism services and animal welfare conditions. The risk of rabies is obvious if dog control and vaccination is not properly enforced. In the short term, Hanoi should adopt anti-rabies measures, establish safety zone for vaccinated dogs, and strictly control the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat. Additionally, local authorities should work hard to increase education, public awareness, control of unleashed dogs and enhance animal welfare regulations, and settle violations. It contributes to make the image of the modern and civilized city.”
Soi Dog Foundation International led a discussion around evidence-based research on the link between animal-directed violence and its adverse impacts on human beings. The survey depicts how workers in the trade are motivated and what consequences they might suffer from, which are: emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder. Physical injuries and infectious diseases are not yet mentioned. International experiences, i.e., lessons learned on how a dog meat ban in Thailand and the Philippines works and what steps that Viet Nam should take will also be featured.
Mr. Rahul Sehgal, Director, Intenational Advocacy of Soi Dog Foundation International
Mr. Rahul Sehgal, Director, Intenational Advocacy of Soi Dog Foundation International said: “The ultimate goal is a ban, initially at the provincial level like with Hanoi Capital, on the trade-in, and slaughtering of dogs and cats, and their consumption. The partnership with the National Assembly has marked a critical milestone in raising the profile of the issue to the top Government so that laws and regulations to control the dog and cat meat trade will be further improved and enforced. We are also committed to supporting the authorities, civil society associations, and other relevant stakeholders to adopt a thoughtful and multi-faceted approach which will include education, legislation, promoting alternatives, cultural change, and collaboration leading to a zero-tolerance attitude against dog and cat meat consumption.”
Dog and cat meat consumption is a long-time-rooted local culture. Public education and awareness raising should be at the forefront of tackling the issue. In the long run, an evidenced-based, comprehensive, and targeted social and behavioral change initiative should be employed to initiate and sustain a change of practice.
Organizing Board
Ms.Duyen Bui, Social and Behavior Change Director of Intelligentmedia said: “Apart from legislation improvement and increased enforcement, behavioral science should be utilized to alter the habit, especially of high-frequency dog and cat meat consumers. It necessitates in-depth understanding and proper segmenting of the user groups, the creation of barriers and restrictions, and education on alternatives. Interventions not only involve the target audiences but also their closed network and the whole community so that public scrutiny and the social norm against consumption will be kicked off and maintained. Ultimately, it will put the practice to an end.”
The event ends up in a strong consensus from parliamentarians and leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Health, Hanoi city’s Public Security, Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Culture, Sport, and Tourism that stopping dog and cat trade and their meat consumption is necessary for the sake of animal welfare compliance, country’s image and public health and safety.
The event is an integral effort of Soi Dog Foundation International to put an end to the cruelty and negative consequences of the dog and cat trade as well as their consumption in Viet Nam.