Can Tho strengthens wildlife management from city to grassroots

Can Tho tightens management of wild animals, increases prevention of illegal captivity and limits the risk of escape, ensuring safety in the community.

Resolute from city to grassroots level

In recent times, the management of wild animals and wildlife in the country in general and in Can Tho City in particular has had many positive changes. However, in reality, there are still cases of illegal hunting, trapping, captivity, trading and transporting of wild animals, especially migratory birds and some species that pose a risk to people. In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Circular No. 26/2025 and Circular No. 27/2025 to tighten management, conserve biodiversity and enhance the implementation of the CITES Convention.

Authorities have recorded that a local python breeding household must comply with regulations and be closely monitored to ensure safety during the flood season. Photo: Le Hoang Vu

Implementing the general direction, the Department of Forestry and Forest Rangers requested localities to step up inspection and supervision of wildlife breeding, transportation and trading activities. At the same time, they should strengthen propaganda and mobilize the community to participate in denouncing violations.

In Can Tho City, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has promptly deployed instructions to the People's Committees of communes and wards. Mr. La Trong Ky, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, said: The locality has a large number of wildlife breeding facilities, which generally comply with the law. However, there are still cases of illegal breeding and unsafe cages, causing the risk of escape, especially during the rainy season, causing concern for the people.

“We request communes and wards to strengthen inspection, statistics, and remind breeding facilities to reinforce their barns. At the same time, we urge illegal breeding cases to hand them over before December 31, 2025. After this time, we will strictly handle them, including criminal prosecution,” Mr. Ky emphasized.

In Tai Van commune, where many households raise crocodiles, snakes, pythons, monkeys, etc., management work has been further strengthened. Mr. Thach Ho Xuan Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: The locality has synchronously deployed tasks according to the Official Dispatch of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City on strengthening coordination and management of some wild animals.

The Commune Economic Department is responsible for compiling a list of households raising wild animals, closely monitoring wildlife raising activities; coordinating with the Commune Police and hamlets to organize periodic inspections, reminding households to reinforce their safe cage systems. Aggressive animals must be specially monitored to avoid cases of escape that threaten people's lives and property.

The Commune's Department of Culture and Society has increased broadcasting and propaganda of legal regulations on wildlife protection, encouraging people not to hunt, buy, sell or consume wildlife illegally. The Commune Police are assigned to preside over handling cases of intentional violations after December 31, 2025.

A woman hangs many hunted birds from her motorbike, proving that wildlife trafficking still occurs in some rural areas. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Meanwhile, the Head of the People's Committee of each hamlet is responsible for reviewing households and promptly reporting any new developments or unsafe barn conditions. Mr. Thanh said: currently, the locality requires each hamlet to closely follow the reality and regularly monitor. If it is discovered that the farm is not of legal origin, it must be mobilized to immediately hand it over to the authorities.

Establishment of city-level Steering Committee to create combined strength

In order to improve management efficiency, the People's Committee of Can Tho City has issued a Decision to establish a Steering Committee for propaganda, combat and handling of violations of laws related to wildlife and protection of aquatic resources.

The Steering Committee consists of 10 members, headed by Colonel Bui Duc An, Deputy Director of the City Police, and Mr. La Trong Ky, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, as Deputy Head. Members of the Steering Committee include representatives from the police departments, the Forestry Department, the Fisheries Department, and the People's Committee Chairmen of communes and wards.

According to Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Truong Canh Tuyen, the Steering Committee will be the focal point for comprehensively directing propaganda, inspection, combating and handling violations of laws on wildlife protection. The Committee will closely coordinate with the police, forest rangers and local authorities to prevent illegal trade and transportation, ensuring social order and safety.

Wild birds caught in illegal nets in rice fields, an act that is strictly prohibited because it reduces biodiversity and affects the bird migration season. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

“The establishment of the Steering Committee aims to create unity in direction and at the same time improve coordination between forces. This is an important solution in the face of the complicated situation of violations related to wildlife,” Mr. Tuyen affirmed.

In parallel with the inspection and handling work, Can Tho has stepped up propaganda so that people can understand correctly and act correctly. All communes and wards are required to increase the amount of radio broadcasts on wildlife protection, encourage people to report violations and coordinate closely when detecting cases of illegal captivity.

Motorbike loaded with trapped wild birds. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

After the administrative boundary merger, Can Tho City is now gradually perfecting the wildlife management system in a strict, transparent and community safety-oriented manner. The strong involvement of the government from the city to the grassroots, along with inter-sectoral coordination, will contribute to minimizing the risk of escape, preventing illegal hunting and trading, and protecting biodiversity in the context of increasing pressure from urbanization and climate change.

The Department of Forestry and Forest Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) also requested provinces and cities to periodically report on violations to promptly advise on handling. This is the basis for the functional sector to update, evaluate and develop appropriate solutions in the coming time.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/can-tho-tang-cuong-quan-ly-dong-vat-hoang-da-tu-thanh-pho-den-co-so-d787480.html