Vietnam is the world's second largest consumer of dogs, but proportionally the worst in the world, with at least five million dogs killed each year, according to the Asia Canine Protection Alliance (ACPA).

5 million dogs killed in Vietnam each year according to the Asia Canine Protection Alliance

Vietnam is ranked behind China, which eats 20 million dogs in terms of a population of 1.3 billion, above South Korea with two to three million dogs killed.

Most of the dogs are supposedly caught in neighbouring countries including Laos and Cambodia. However, it is said the data may fail to include the illegal dog trade in Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Hong Kong and legal and uncontrolled in other areas like Vietnam, South Korea and China. 

he ample anecdotal evidence of the theft of people’s pets in Vietnam appears not to have been included in the data.

The dog meat industry started as a small household business but now has developed into a billion-dollar industry.

The alliance raised concerns about animal cruelty. ACPA said many investigations had recorded animal cruelty during all processes, from trading, transporting to slaughtering.

In order to encourage the end of dog eating in Vietnam, ACPA has started a training programme on disease control, welfare standards, sterilisation and how to improve the lives of animals.

Vi Thao Nguyen, representative of Humane Society International said activities to improve animal welfare were being carried out in various countries. More animal rescue operations and animal welfare activities are also getting state agencies and public support in Vietnam.

"We hope our training programme will help the rescue groups work more efficiently," she said.

The Asia Canine Protection Alliance was formed by the Humane Society International, Animals Asia, Soi Dog Foundation and Change for Animals Foundation.

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