The program is coordinated by the global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS at 10 inter-level schools in the Education system for students from kindergarten to high school. It is expected that after the pilot phase, the program will expand to 20 other schools this school year, contributing to creating a compassionate young generation and aiming to end the dog and cat meat trade (BBTCM) in the future.
According to FOUR PAWS, children are the ones who easily empathize with animals, so equipping them with knowledge about animal welfare right from school plays an important role in forming humane and sustainable values.
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Ms. Phan Thanh Dung, Animal Welfare Coordinator (Dogs/Cats) of FOUR PAWS - said that children can become agents of positive change in their families and communities. The values of love, respect for life and proper care for animals, instilled early, will contribute to building a more humane and kind society.
Within the framework of the program, students participated in discussions and workshops revolving around two main topics: The cruelty of BBTCM activities and Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO).
In addition, students are equipped with knowledge of basic principles in pet care such as regular health check-ups, vaccinations, sterilization, hygiene and grooming, and dental care to ensure the health, safety and happiness of pets.
Although a FOUR PAWS survey shows that the majority of Vietnamese people oppose cruelty in BBTCM, this activity still exists in many localities because it brings profits to pet theft groups, slaughterhouses and traders.
FOUR PAWS emphasizes that witnessing forms of violence in BBTCM can be psychologically traumatizing for children. Therefore, the educational program is designed as a safe space for children to express their feelings, understand the nature of the problem and make more humane choices.
According to reports, more than 6 million dogs and cats are killed each year in Vietnam, and about 3 million dogs in Cambodia. Many are stolen from homes or snatched from the streets, then kept in cramped conditions and brutally killed. In addition to the ethical implications, the practice also poses a risk of spreading infectious diseases due to poor hygiene in slaughterhouses and live animal markets.
FOUR PAWS is running a regional campaign to end BBTCM in Southeast Asia through government cooperation, supporting local animal welfare improvements, slaughterhouse closures, and community awareness raising.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/trien-khai-chuong-trinh-giao-duc-ve-phuc-loi-dong-vat-trong-truong-hoc-20251126104008702.htm
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