A story of change: former dog meat seller in Vietnam embraces a cruelty-free business

Turning point in Vietnam, where a slaughterhouse and restaurant that served dog meat closes forever. Its owner wants to change jobs and paths, no longer intending to kill and make hundreds and hundreds of animals suffer

After years of being part of Vietnam’s dog meat industry, a business owner has opted to shut down operations: a slaughterhouse and a restaurant that sells dog meat. In the trade for 20 years, nine under his management, Dao Van Cuong is ready for a new, cruelty-free chapter in his career.

Dao Van Cuong, of Dong Nai province, was infamous for running a dog slaughterhouse, where thousands of canines brought in from all parts of the country were killed and whose meat was processed and served at his restaurant next door.

But change is possible, as Dao Van Cuong has demonstrated. After feeling guilt-stricken, he wanted to end the practice, he confided to Humane Society International, an organization committed to the protection of animals. Recalling his time in the trade, he shared:

“For nine years I have killed dogs and chickens, butchered them, and served them to my customers. The money is fine, but this job doesn’t make me happy at all. I don’t want to kill these animals anymore-it makes me feel awful“.

Embracing a new future thanks to hsi’s support

Cuong joined the Models for Change program, launched in Vietnam in 2022 by HSI in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Production, Animal Health, and Fisheries of Dong Nai. With financial assistance from HSI, he will open a business selling paint and gas cylinders, leaving the cruelty of his old occupation behind.

Meanwhile, the remaining 16 dogs which were to become meat at his restaurant were rescued and moved to a safe area under the care of HSI. While they were terrified and many were sick, they now have a chance towards recovery. The organization has appealed for support in ensuring these animals get the needed care.

The bigger fight against dog meat in Vietnam

While Cuong’s transformation is a beacon of hope, the battle is far from over. In Dong Nai province alone, approximately 500 restaurants still serve dog meat, with countless dogs and cats trafficked to slaughterhouses throughout the country. The cruelty persists on these roads, a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.

Phuong Tham, HSI’s director for Vietnam, emphasized the critical need for action:

“It is from here in the provinces of Dong Nai and Thai Nguyen that we are proud to support government efforts toward meeting their goal of zero human deaths from rabies transmitted by dogs, by 2030. This cannot be realized without the addressing of the dog meat trade. We hope our Models for Change program becomes a cornerstone of Vietnam’s strategy, offering economically sustainable alternatives for those like Mr. Cuong who rely on this trade, while complementing legislative and regulatory reforms.”

Advocating for livable, sustainable livelihoods without cruelty

By the examples of Models for Change, HSI wants to prove that alternatives can be profitable and ethical aside from the dog and cat meat trade. The association wishes to inspire others to follow Cuong’s example-to show them that livelihoods can thrive without torturing animals.

Source: Humane Society International