Sixteen Dogs Rescued from Dog Meat Restaurant in Vietnam

Sixteen dogs have been rescued from a dog meat restaurant and slaughterhouse in Dong Nai, Vietnam. When the rescue team arrived, they found the animals crammed into small wire cages, some still wearing collars that hinted at their past as cherished pets. These dogs are now safe and receiving care as they begin their journey toward recovery.

The dog meat trade inflicts suffering long before animals reach slaughterhouses. Dogs are often stolen from families or captured using inhumane methods like tasers and poison bait. Transported in overcrowded cages without food or water for extended periods, many succumb to exhaustion, heatstroke, or suffocation before they even arrive. This cruel practice also poses significant public health risks, including the spread of rabies and other diseases.

This successful rescue was the result of a collaboration between Humane Society International (HSI) and Vietnam’s Dong Nai Department of Animal Health (DAH). Following the operation, discussions with officials from Dong Nai and Thai Nguyen provinces led to a proposal for stricter enforcement of rabies laws, a step that could curb the dog and cat meat trade. Public opinion in Vietnam supports this change: a 2023 survey found that 68% of respondents favored banning the trade, with only 24% admitting to consuming dog meat in the past year.

After their rescue, the dogs were taken to a temporary facility where they are receiving essential veterinary care, including treatment for infections, vaccinations, and neutering. Once recovered, they will be evaluated for adoption into loving homes.

This rescue also marked a significant turning point for the slaughterhouse owner, Mr. Cuong, who decided to leave the trade due to guilt and stress. “I don’t want to kill these animals anymore, it makes me feel bad,” he shared. With Support from HSI’s Models for Change program, he has transitioned to a more peaceful livelihood, running a business selling paint and gas cylinders.

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