Vietnam considers cat and dog meat as delicacies. But officials in a popular Vietnamese tourist city have announced that the sale of these animals’ meat will be phased out. Hoi An is a world heritage site and historic trading port. They have agreed to phase out the sale and consumption of cat and dog meat. In collaboration with the animal rights organisation Four Paws International.
“We want to help promote animal welfare through rabies eradication. Phasing out the dog and cat meat trade, and making the city a premier destination for tourism,” vice city mayor Nguyen The Hung says. Yearly, an estimated five million dogs are consumed in Vietnam. Making it the world’s second-highest consumption after China, with some believing the meat can help dispel bad luck.
We want to help promote animal welfare through rabies eradication
According to Julie Sanders of Four Paws International, it was however a watershed moment that could set an example for other areas in Vietnam. This year, the animal rights organization commissioned a national poll, which found that only 6.3% of 600 Vietnamese surveyed consume the four-legged creatures, with 88% in favor of prohibiting their consumption.
Dog meat is a delicacy in some parts of the country. The meat consumed alongside rice wine or beer. Cats, are less popular. However, they are also on some menus. And are referred to as “little tigers.” Although the practice has declined. As incomes have risen and more affluent people keep dogs as pets. Dog meat is still widely available in Hanoi, with some dismissing animal welfare concerns. “I don’t think anyone should ban the eating of dog meat. After all, it’s our culture,” says one Hanoi resident. Officials in Hanoi encouraged people to stop eating dog meat in 2018. Because it was, as a result harming the capital’s reputation and could lead to deadly rabies infections.
Whatever happens in the coming time, Hoi An is making a statement right now by taking a stand for reducing the consumption of dog and cat meat. This will not only help the community health at large but certainly will also contribute towards animal welfare.
