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 suspects. 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 pregnant mother dog, left at our doorstep when she was 9 weeks pregnant, has just welcomed 14 incredibly adorable puppies into the world!
In a heartwarming turn of events, the Instituto Amor em Patas (IAPA) recently encountered a pregnant mother dog who had been abandoned at their gate. Natajuli, as she came to be known, was nine weeks pregnant and in dire need of help. When the compassionate volunteers at IAPA found her, she was weak, unable to stand, and consumed by fear. Her vulnerable condition tugged at the hearts of those who came to her aid, and they embarked on a journey of care, support, and new beginnings.
Natajuli’s previous owner had left her at the gate, driven by fear of her impending motherhood. Initially, Natajuli’s fear manifested in her protective behavior, as she guarded herself and her unborn puppies from the unfamiliar faces of the volunteers. However, with time and patience, she began to open up and trust those who extended a helping hand.
One volunteer recounted the moment they first encountered Natajuli, sharing, “Look at her belly – it may contain 13 or 14 precious lives. We are planning to schedule her tests for tomorrow as she is quite weak.” The concern for Natajuli’s well-being was palpable, and the volunteers rallied to provide her with the care she needed.
The anticipation grew as the volunteers prepared for Natajuli’s ultrasound to ensure a safe delivery. Despite her weak state, Natajuli returned to the shelter under their watchful eyes. The momentous occasion finally arrived – Natajuli successfully gave birth to her first baby, a lively young boy.
The heartwarming surprise was unveiled as Natajuli continued to give birth – not to a few, but an astonishing 14 adorable puppies. The sight of Natajuli and her 14 babies evoked a mix of emotions in the volunteers, ranging from overwhelming joy to the sense of responsibility that lay ahead.
A trip to the vet followed, where Natajuli and her 14 little ones underwent check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests. Their health was a top priority, and the relief was evident when Natajuli emerged red-faced but strong. The puppies were no exception, each plump and healthy, a testament to the care and dedication poured into their well-being.
One volunteer shared their sentiment, saying, “I was nearly brought to tears when I saw Natajuli’s smile, and her puppies are just too adorable – I can’t help but want to shower them with affection.”
As this heartwarming journey unfolds, the volunteers find themselves faced with the delightful challenge of naming the 14 tiny wonders. An invitation is extended to all who share in their story to suggest names that hold meaning and resonance. These names will become a part of the tale of resilience, hope, and unwavering compassion that defines Natajuli’s journey and the lives she brought into the world.
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