VietNamNet Bridge – Dr. Tuan Bendixsen, chief representative of Animals Asia in Vietnam, said he would launch a stronger call for removal of the rituals "causing pain to animals".

Despite international and local criticism about animal cruelty, the annual Pig Slaughter Ceremony in Bac Ninh Province went ahead on February 24 with participants maintaining they want to keep traditional customs alive.

Many people from Nem Thuong Village say the pig-chopping rite aims to educate children about the heroic, indomitable tradition and the spirit of solidarity felt against the enemy of the army, led by the village tutelary.

In traditional thinking, animals are sacrificed to the god of fortune and prosperity. However, many complain they are brutal and should be wiped out of modern society. Professor Tran Lam Bien, a noted researcher on faith, talks about the issue.