On January 27, 2026, within the framework of the One Health Partnership (OHP) on preventing and controlling animal-to-human transmission diseases in Vietnam, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) in coordination with the global animal welfare organization - FOUR PAWS organized the third Conference of the Technical Working Group on Accompanying Animals (CA TWG).
The meeting focused on discussing key issues related to companion animals (dogs, cats), including challenges in animal quarantine; updating the situation of dog and cat welfare in Vietnam and in the region; lessons learned from the pilot project on rabies prevention and control in Hanoi associated with the roadmap for gradually transforming dog and cat meat trading and consumption activities; and sharing experiences from Korea in ending dog meat consumption.
The conference is also a forum for FOUR PAWS to present the core contents of the proposed roadmap and receive technical and constructive contributions, thereby supporting the discussion process towards completing the roadmap to gradually end dog and cat meat trafficking activities in Vietnam by 2030, in order to protect community health and enhance animal welfare under the coordination of OHP.
Dr. Phan Quang Minh - Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine emphasized that solving issues related to companion animals needs to be approached comprehensively, inter-sectorally, based on the framework of One Health, with close coordination between veterinary, health, environmental, local government and community participation.
“With the role of co-chairman of the Technical Working Group on Animals accompanying, coordinating with the One Health Secretariat, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and specialized agencies, FOUR PAWS hopes that the roadmap to minimize and move towards ending dog and cat meat trafficking in Vietnam will soon be implemented and become an important tool to protect community health, improve animal welfare and promote sustainable development.
FOUR PAWS is committed to accompanying the Government in building a step-by-step approach, creating social consensus and ensuring long-term effectiveness," shared Mr. Matt Backhouse – Head of Animal Care Program, Southeast Asia region of FOUR PAWS.
The meeting focused on discussing the development of a national roadmap to minimize and move towards ending dog and cat meat trafficking, associated with the goal of eliminating rabies in Vietnam by 2030. Delegates agreed that the roadmap should focus on perfecting policies and legal frameworks, strengthening implementation, improving the management of quantity and vaccination for pets, promoting communication to change behavior, and ensuring appropriate alternative livelihood support solutions.
The proactive role of FOUR PAWS in accompanying the roadmap with State agencies and partners has been recognized. However, the parties also emphasized that for the roadmap to be effectively implemented in the next 5 years, there needs to be continuous participation and contribution from ministries, sectors, local authorities, international organizations, diplomatic missions and development partners.
