Surveying around three pagodas in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City before the full moon of July, the sale of released animals did not take place publicly as in previous years. However, at some points, birds, fish, eels and turtles are still offered for sale.
Where to sell publicly, where to only provide when customers ask
In the area near Dieu Phap Pagoda (Binh Loi Trung ward), aquatic species are mainly offered for sale including tilapia, catfish, eel and soft-shell turtles. In which, soft-shell turtles are divided into three levels according to size including small, medium and large types, some are introduced as carrying eggs. The selling price of soft-shell turtles ranges from 5,000 - 200,000 VND/piece, depending on size.
According to records, this area does not sell released birds. When asked about the reason for the "absence" of this animal, the seller said that recently, animal business activities have been strictly inspected by functional forces.
Meanwhile, opposite the gate of Ba Thien Hau Pagoda (Cho Lon ward) there are two bird supply locations. At a point near the intersection, birds are displayed for sale but not as many as in previous years. Sellers only display about 5-6 birds so that those in need can easily find them. In the remaining location, sellers only display an empty bird cage, when customers have a need to buy, the seller comes out to introduce the goods.
According to research, released birds here are sold for about 12,000 VND/bird. The seller said that customers usually buy 10-20 birds each time, equivalent to an amount of 120,000-240,000 VND.
I sell here from about 7 am to after 3 pm, mainly selling directly, not accepting pre-orders because there are not many sources of goods," a seller said.
The need for release can create more hunting
The Standing Committee of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has issued Official Dispatch No. 285/HDTS-VP1 on practicing release of animals in accordance with the Dharma, protecting the environment and biodiversity during the Vu Lan and July 15th seasons of 2026.
The Governing Body believes that pre-ordering a large number of birds, fish, turtles and other animals may inadvertently create market demand, promoting hunting, transportation, trading and detention of animals.
The Church requests pagodas, monks, nuns and Buddhists not to organize ordering, collecting or pre-purchasing large quantities of animals for release; not to assist in hunting and trading animals to serve rituals.
For wild, rare or protected animals, people should not arbitrarily buy, sell, receive or release them, but need to notify the forest ranger agency or competent rescue unit.
For aquatic animals, the Church notes not to release invasive alien species, species at risk of invasion or organisms that are not suitable for the receiving environment. People should also not choose to buy just because of the cheap price, large quantity when the species, origin and living environment are not clearly identified.
According to the guidance of the Governing Council, proper release of animals should be carried out according to fate, when encountering animals that are threatened or in distress, rescue them and bring them back to a suitable living environment; do not run after quantity, form or concept of praying and reducing bad luck.
