Hanoi’s intention to ban dog meat triggers mixed views

Mixed reviews have been public on media regardless of printed newspapers, newswires, and social networks. The support and opposition came from both locals and foreigners who are living and working in Vietnam. Surveys on news outlets show that up to 70% of readers totally agree with the city’s plan, many others realize the necessity of giving up this specialty which is somewhat considered favorite food among part of locals while few of interviewees strongly protested the move, saying that slaughtering is their profitable business for decades.

Many people want to stop the slaughter and sale of dog meat in Hanoi for the sake of the city, noting that dogs in cages for meat and dog meat available in almost every corner of the city have ruined the image of a city striving for peacefulness and friendliness in the eyes of visitors.

Some readers proved the fact that many foreign visitors downgraded Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general for eating dog meat. Some never comes back despite of good food, people, and places.

Hanoi’s move meets aspiration of a large number of people who want to remove the dish out of food which is available on tables every New Year holiday, the end of lunar months, and days of cool weather. For many people in many parts of Vietnam, dog meat becomes their favorite food while others eat dog meat to get rid of bad luck.

In reality, many people have given up dog meat thanks for changes in their minds and in social life. They are aware of treating dogs better and regard eating dog meat is an uncivilized action.

Strong opposition of eating dog meat among a large number of people on the media for years has helped change Vietnamese people’s eating habits. Today, fewer people choose dog meat and sale volume is on the decline. There was a street in Hanoi dedicated only to serving dog meat. The eateries experienced prosperous business for years before they faced shutdown because of eaters turning their back on.

Meanwhile, a number of dog slaughterers have changed their business for spirituality reasons. They feel uneased and voluntarily give up the business without receiving criticism.

In terms of health, people run dog slaughter business are easy to exposure of rabies, cholera, and leptospirosis. Hanoi’s Department of Animal Health reported 5,098 people bitten by beasts, including 87% by dogs. The city has 493,000 dogs and cats, and 1,013 shops selling dog and cat meat.