Hopes for Dogs and Cats Meat Trade Issues in Vietnam - Notes from Journey to Compassion, an event by FOUR PAWS

Members of local and international NGOs stand side by side with Vietnamese stakeholders at the Journey to Compassion event hosted by FOUR PAWS in Hanoi on December 9, 2024. Photo by FOUR PAWS.

In the last month of 2024, the Asia for Animals Coalition was honored to attend Journey to Compassion - Supporting Dog and Cat Welfare in Vietnam, an event organized by AfA Core Member Organization FOUR PAWS, to discuss Vietnam's progress in phasing out the dog and cat meat trade in the country. The event provided an excellent platform to connect with advocates and engage with members of other organizations sharing the same passion and goals to end the dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam.

Representatives from Cambodia and South Korea also participated in the event, sharing valuable insights into how banning the dog meat trade has positively influenced their countries' public images. Their experiences demonstrated how Vietnam could be the next country to follow this path.

Dog and Cat Coalition Lead Coordinator, Cica, presenting on the ineffectiveness of mass culling and its connection to the dog and cat meat trade industry. Photo by FOUR PAWS.

The Problem with Mass Culling

Attending the event, AfA's Dog and Cat Coalition Lead Coordinator, Khalisya Anjani Putri (Cica), presented the issue of mass culling, which at first seems unrelated to the dog and cat meat trade but is, in fact, closely connected.

"Mass culling is used as an inappropriate response to dog bite incidents," said Cica, "...culled dogs are often diverted to the dog meat trade instead of being euthanized or disposed of humanely."

To address the ineffectiveness and inhumanity of mass culling, AfA's Dog and Cat Coalition emphasized the importance of implementing strategic free-roaming dog management plans.

Poster about mass culling: Free Download - Credit: Asia for Animals Coalition

This event showcased the incredible work done by FOUR PAWS to raise public awareness about the dog and cat meat trade, as well as their efforts to bring together diverse stakeholders, including lawmakers, local veterinarians, and One Health experts. FOUR PAWS is also a core member of Asia for Animals Coalition, contributing greatly to the coalition with their expertise on animal advocacy.

Learn more about FOUR PAWS's effort to end the DCMT in South-East Asia

"A huge thank you to FOUR PAWS for the invitation and for organizing such a meaningful event. I left feeling more motivated to support this vital work. Together, we can create a better future for animals in Vietnam and beyond!" said Cica.

Explore the work by Dog and Cat Coalition: https://www.asiaforanimals.com/dacc.