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 susp​ects. 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.

MAN RESCUES POOR ABANDONED PUPPY AND ENRICHES HIM WITH A LOVING FOREVER HOME!

A heartfelt moment, Meets the Person Who Stopped the Pit Bull Puppy’s Death

Even while it might be difficult at times, there are many lovely moments that can only be made possible by the selfless efforts of volunteers.

Joey Wagner, a marine biologist from Nova Scotia in Canada, volunteers at the Baie Ste Marie Animal Society. A pit bull mix dog who had been cruelly mistreated and needed some tender loving care was brought to Joey’s attention in 2013. Joey showed up just as the dog was going to die.

Joey and the rescue crew took the puppy, whose they called Mojo, to Parade Street Vet, PEI Small Animal Hospital for treatment of acute dehydration and demodectic mange. He had totally lost all of his fur and was covered in mite bites by the time he was three months old. As Joey watched, the puppy’s mange was becoming worse as a result of malnutrition and his unhygienic living conditions.

In a Facebook post, Joey said, “When Mojo was surrendered, it was a very short process and a very emotional time.”

As Mojo battled for his life, Joey and his wife Leta fell in love with him. Despite the terrible suffering he had through, Mojo shown a profound ability for compassion and forgiveness. After hearing about his problems, a lot of people asked for his assistance.

As soon as Mojo spotted Joey, his little tail began to wag. Joey writhed his entire body to get closer to his new father, his face covered in kisses. Joey couldn’t help but grin as Mojo thanked him for giving him another opportunity at life.

Joey and Mojo’s joyful reunion has been enjoyed by the globe for more than seven years. Mojo is happy and well-cared for now that he is a member of Joey and Leta’s team. He never entirely grew his fur back, but he doesn’t seem to mind. Since then, the Wagner family has used his tale to inspire others and generate money for animal rescue groups.

The nuanced reaction from Mojo proved that animals possess intellect. Joey had aided Mojo when he was at his most helpless. Their separation is minimal.

Watch the video down below to see Mojo’s sweet response.