Quang Nam: Hoi An says no to slaughtering cats, dogs for meat

At the signing ceremony (Photo: laodong.vn)

Quang Nam (VNA) – The popular tourist city Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam, on December 10, signed a deal with the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, committing to stopping the trade and consumption of cat and dog meat, making it the first locality in Vietnam to do so.

The commitment takes effect at the end of this year and lasts for two years.

Julie Sanders, International Director of Companion Animals Programme at FOUR PAWS, said at the virtual signing ceremony that Hoi An’s action will set the example for other Vietnamese localities to follow.

The country saw five million dogs and one million cats slaughtered for meat trade on an annual basis, threatening the local animal welfare and community health, she informed.

Vice Chairman of the Hoi An People’s Committee Nguyen The Hung affirmed that phasing out the trade of dog and cat meat and promoting rabies eradication works are in line with the city’s growth orientation toward becoming a safe, friendly, and green tourist destination.

Participating in the ceremony, young Vietnamese singer Van Mai Huong delivered a speech calling for people, particularly youth, to support the commitment./.

VNA