Both the public and local agencies in Hanoi have raised concerns over a new dog registration rule, saying it is impractical.
New dog registration rule causes concern
In an effort to curb rabies, the government issued a plan to require dog owners to register their dogs. The new rule, however, has been a source of public worry, especially for households that sell dog meat.
To many people, the rule is too complicated. "Then each time I buy a dog I have to register it. Then if it is stolen or dies I'll have to make report." Nguyen Van Tuan, a resident of Thanh Tri District, said.
Even breeders of expensive dogs who support the rule have voiced concern.
"Management agencies would be able to euthanize a dog if its owner does not show up within 72 hours. What if my dog wanders off some day?" said Nguyen Thai Anh, of Cau Giay District.
Management agencies are not entirely happy with the regulation either.
The deputy chairwoman of Trung Hoa Ward's People's Committee, Pham Thi Hai Yen, said, "We haven't received any official directives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Each year, we continue to vaccinate between 90-98% of the dogs in our area to prevent rabies. Dog owners who do not vaccinate should be punished, but in reality this task is almost impossible."
She said the new requirements on dog registration are also impractical because agencies may not have sufficient human resources to enforce the rule.
Authorities in other provinces said that they have not received any notification or directives related to the issue.
Nguyen Van Sa, Chairman of Bac Ninh Province's People Committee, said the regulation will raise people's awareness and the quality animal health facilities. But he added that the rule should be reviewed to make it more practical.