A popular Vietnamese tourist city has pledged to phase out selling cat and dog meat, officials said Friday, a first in a nation where some consider the animals a delicacy.
Hoi An, a world heritage site and a historic trading port, has signed an agreement with animal rights group Four Paws International pledging to phase out sales and consumption of cat and dog meat.
“We want to help promote animal welfare through rabies eradication, phasing out the dog and cat meat trade, and making the city a premier destination for tourism,” vice city mayor Nguyen The Hung said.
Every year, Vietnam consumes an estimated five million canines - the second-highest consumption in the world after China. Some also believe that meat can help dispel bad luck. In parts of the country, dog meat is considered a delicacy to be eaten with rice wine, or beer. Although less popular, cats are also served on some menus and are referred to as "little tigers."
Hoi An, a world heritage site and a historic trading port, has signed an agreement with animal rights group Four Paws International pledging to phase out sales and consumption of cat and dog meat.
“We want to help promote animal welfare through rabies eradication, phasing out the dog and cat meat trade, and making the city a premier destination for tourism,” vice city mayor Nguyen The Hung said.
Every year, Vietnam consumes an estimated five million canines - the second-highest consumption in the world after China. Some also believe that meat can help dispel bad luck. In parts of the country, dog meat is considered a delicacy to be eaten with rice wine, or beer. Although less popular, cats are also served on some menus and are referred to as "little tigers."
