Tan Hai Ward's Health Station recently issued an urgent alert after suspected rabid dogs bit residents, with seven cases recorded in April alone in Phuoc Thanh and Phuoc Tan neighbourhoods.
Across residential areas, parks and major streets, dogs are frequently seen roaming without muzzles, raising safety concerns and increasing the risk of disease spread.
At Gia Dinh Park, one of the city’s busiest green spaces, many owners were seen walking dogs without muzzles or allowing them to run freely.
Some dogs approached joggers and pedestrians, causing alarm and forcing people to change direction.
Notably, numerous signs around Gia Dinh Park clearly prohibit bringing in or letting pets roam.
However, the rule is widely ignored, with many people openly bringing pets inside without proper control.
Nguyen Hai, a regular at Gia Dinh Park, said many people bring dogs in the early morning and evening. “I feel uneasy when they run free, as it’s unclear if they are aggressive, especially with children and the elderly around,” he added.
Similar scenes were reported along the Nhieu Loc Canal, particularly on Truong Sa and Hoang Sa streets.
Many unleashed dogs roam pavements and grassy banks along the Nhieu Loc Canal, prompting pedestrians to remain cautious.
Some dogs defecate on grass and walkways without owners cleaning up, undermining hygiene and urban aesthetics.
An unmuzzled dog lies on the pavement on Truong Sa Street.
Some residents said many owners are complacent, assuming their pets are tame and unlikely to bite, and therefore fail to muzzle or properly control them, posing risks to others.
Under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, allowing pets to roam freely in urban areas or encroach on pavements and public spaces carries fines of VND 500,000-1 million (USD 19-USD 39). If they cause injury or damage, penalties rise to VND 2-3 million (USD 78-USD 117).