Lifestyle

Opposition to Ban on Dog Meat in Vietnam

Eating dog meat is a prevalent custom in different regions of Vietnam, ingrained in a longstanding tradition. Thus, when the debate on whether to prohibit this practice emerges, a considerable portion of the population adamantly opposes it.

Administrator

15 February, 2024

This sentiment is reflected in the comments section of a recent article by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, where many readers expressed their disapproval and provided various reasons for their stance.

Some readers supported the perspective that dog meat is a type of food. One reader named Duong Van Ngoc compared dog meat to other livestock and poultry, arguing that they serve as both pets and sources of meat and trade.

Another reader named Thanh Hieu emphasized that it is crucial to recognize that dogs and cats are part of the natural food chain and are not endangered species. Hieu believes that whether a nation consumes dog meat or not does not inherently reflect the civilization or culture of that country.

However, there are others who oppose the idea of Vietnam banning the consumption of dog meat. They argue that it represents a dangerous form of cultural imperialism, prioritizing foreign sensibilities over Vietnamese traditions.

One reader, who identified themselves as le thanh tan, stated, “Why impose a ban? While I personally don’t favor consuming dog meat, I don’t support a blanket prohibition. Why should Vietnam conform to the preferences of the West? Instead, it is crucial to regulate objectionable practices, such as not openly displaying whole slaughtered dogs and transporting newly-butchered dogs in closed containers.”

Another reader named Juile shared her experience visiting Zurich, where she was informed that some local farmers still consume dog meat, though it is not widely sold. Juile mentioned that there is no outright ban on people eating dog meat in Switzerland and Canada.

Many readers agree that it is crucial to address the issue of uncontrolled stray dog populations in Vietnam, as they pose a safety risk to residents and could negatively impact the country’s image in the eyes of international visitors.

Overall, the readers agree that it is challenging to completely abandon the consumption of dog meat. Some suggest that encouraging restrictions on consuming dog and cat meat might be appropriate, particularly in urban areas frequented by foreign tourists or designated tourist destinations.

It seems that instead of imposing a complete ban, encouraging responsible practices and regulating the industry may be a more feasible solution.