Hanoi takes action to eliminate dog and cat meat trade in face of rabies outbreaks

Hanoi Divsion of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Veterinary Services under Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a critically important directive towards eliminating the dog and cat meat trade across the city's districts. This comprehensive directive outlines a multipronged strategy involving strict enforcement and cooperation across multiple authorities.

Citing the grave risk posed by the recent rabies outbreak across the country, during which there have been 102 rabies outbreaks in 29 cities and provinces that have caused human fatalities and widespread exposure, the directive emphasises the urgent imperative to prevent such a public health crisis in Hanoi. A core focus is enhancing rabies vaccination rates to over 90 per cent of the pet dog and cat population through a concerted drive by veterinary authorities.

Strict monitoring and tough penalties have been mandated for any illegal trade, transportation, slaughter, or sale of dogs and cats for meat purposes. Mobile inspection teams will be deployed at key transportation routes to systematically intercept and halt any unauthorised movement of live dogs and cats.

Importantly, the directive calls for extensive public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the dangers of rabies, the need for responsible pet management practices, and discourage the deeply entrenched habit of dog and cat meat consumption. Hanoi is looking to cultivate more compassionate attitudes towards animals overall.

By designating "rabies-safe zones" where the dog and cat meat trade is eliminated, this pioneering directive aims to transform Hanoi into a civilised, tourist-friendly city aligned with international standards for animal welfare and food safety.

Rahul Sehgal, director of International Advocacy at the Soi Dog International Foundation, "Soi Dog, as a technical support organisation facilitating this pioneering campaign, commends Hanoi's progressive directive against the dog and cat meat trade. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to aligning Vietnam's capital with contemporary global standards. We will continue providing various assistance to facilitate this move going forward."

Associations work to stamp out use of dog and cat meat The Ha Nam Traditional Medicine Association, Soi Dog International Foundation, and Social and Behaviour Change Science Agency Intelligentmedia brought together 30 provincial Traditional Medicine (TM) practitioners to provide coaching on November 10 on the negative impact of the use of dog and cat meat for public health.

Banning dog and cat meat services is essential to stop consumer demand Restaurant owners have raised their voices to protest dog and cat meat services, hoping to cut consumer demand.

Low vaccination rates and dog smuggling aiding transmission in Vietnam Vietnam’s national rabies control efforts have been proving to be incrementally effective, yet some risks still persist due to free-roaming animals, some lack of awareness, the dog meat trade, and a low proportion of vaccinated pets.