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.

“Inspirational Video: Visually Impaired Dog Shines Playing the Piano and Harmonizing with Sibling, Captivating Online Audiences and Becoming a Social Media Sensation”

A visually impaired beagle named Buddy Mercury has gained international acclaim on social media for forming an incredibly charming musical duo with his human sister. Despite his blindness, this music-loving canine exhibits remarkable piano-playing skills and harmonizes delightfully with his partner, showcasing a joyful spirit that remains undiminished.

Buddy Mercury, an eight-year-old beagle mix who was rescued, resides in Long Island, New York, with his human parents, Laurie and Glen Wolfe, and their 5-year-old daughter, affectionately referred to as Buddy’s “Lil Sis.” The couple adopted Buddy from a North Carolina animal shelter in April 2016 after he was discovered as a stray. They welcomed their daughter into the family the following year.

Laurie, 41, and Glen, 42, shared that Buddy has always been an integral part of their daughter’s life, fostering a heartwarming and endearing bond between the two. “It’s been a really sweet relationship to watch,” Laurie mentioned to The Epoch Times.

Buddy Mercury’s remarkable musical journey began just three months after his adoption, when Glen was taken aback while watching television. The piano unexpectedly started playing on its own, leaving Glen astonished. Quickly recording the enchanting moment on his phone, Glen captured Buddy playing the piano.

Initially, Buddy started “singing” in response to sirens from a nearby fire station. Soon, this became a routine, and Buddy began making musical melodies multiple times a day. Laurie shared, “It became part of his routine, and he’s really very happy when he plays because his tail is always wagging when he’s at the keys.”

Glen, a professional drummer, vividly remembers one of their earliest viral videos, in which their daughter entered the room with a guitar. The sequence of events that followed was nothing short of magical, as Buddy, looking out the window, joined in with his musical talents. “It was a magical moment, just unforgettable,” Glen fondly recalled.

In the summer of 2021, Laurie and Glen noticed a change in Buddy’s eyes. Upon seeking veterinary care, they were informed that Buddy had progressive retinal atrophy, a hereditary condition leading to complete blindness. Despite the heartbreak, the vet emphasized the importance of maintaining Buddy’s routines, including his piano-playing. “Through our tears we were smiling,” Laurie shared.

Although Buddy now faces challenges due to his blindness, Laurie and Glen administer eye drops to ensure his comfort. Despite occasional bumps into objects, Buddy’s independence remains strong. In solidarity with Buddy’s adjustment to life without sight, the couple has chosen not to adopt more animals.

Their heartwarming family band, featuring their daughter’s singing and Buddy’s piano-playing, serves as a compelling message advocating for animal adoption. Buddy frequently participates in community events, fundraisers, and interviews, where he enthusiastically performs in exchange for treats.

While Laurie and Glen maintain their day jobs, they hold onto the possibility that their unique musical collaboration could eventually lead to new opportunities. Laurie expressed, “There’s a lot going on in the world, but I think that there’s no better cure for whatever is hurting someone [than] choosing to rescue an animal.”