Two Puppy Fattening Farms for the Dog Meat Trade Shut Down and Surrender Animals to Rescue

Humane Society International removed 58 puppies from two farms in Vietnam and will help the dogs find loving homes

Dozens of puppies won't become dinner, thanks to the efforts of many.

On Wednesday, June 5, Humane Society International (HSI) and its animal rescue partners rescued 58 young dogs from two puppy fattening farms in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. The farms were shut down after the rescue.

According to HSI, the farms supplied the dog meat trade in the region by purchasing puppies from local villages and feeding them until they reached slaughter weight. After the dogs reached this goal, they were sold into the dog meat trade.

The two facilities involved in Wednesday's rescue agreed to shut down and surrender their dogs to HSI through the organization's Models for Change program.

Models for Change helps people dependent on the dog meat trade transition to new sustainable businesses. One of the puppy fattening farms from the June 5 rescue will become an agricultural store, while the other will switch to crop farming.

Related: Sanctuary's 'Most Traumatized Bear' Is Living a Life 'of Hope and Happiness' a Year After Her Rescue

The program receives support from HSI and the local governments for Dong Nai and Thai Nguyen in Vietnam. HSI and the governments have a three-year agreement to help each other transition businesses away from the dog and cat meat trades.

HSI said there has been increased interest in these efforts since Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed a directive instructing local authorities to implement rabies prevention and control several months ago.

The animal welfare organization's three-year agreement with local governments in Vietnam also includes assistance with rabies vaccinations for the country's pets, humane dog population management programs, and cracking down on dog and cat trafficking activities.

Through doing this work, HSI has found a declining interest in the dog meat trade among the people of Vietnam. Phạm Dũng, an owner of one of the recently shut down puppy fattening farms, reached out to the Models for Change program for assistance after growing remorseful for his part in the dog meat trade.

Related: 18 Dogs Saved from Vietnam Slaughterhouse — Including Canines 'Locked Up in Cages for Fattening'

"I'm looking forward to putting the dog meat trade behind me and growing crops instead. Harvesting beansprouts and sweet potatoes will be a lot more peaceful than fattening puppies for slaughter and a lot better for my mental health, knowing I'm not causing any suffering. It's also a healthier lifestyle with no links to rabies, so my family and I are happy about this," the farm owner said in a statement.

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The 58 puppies removed from Phang's farm and the other facility are relaxing at a shelter at the Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry. After the puppies are vaccinated against rabies and rehabilitated, all of the dogs will be put up for adoption locally.

"HSI is working towards ending the trade nationwide, so projects like our Models for Change program, in tandem with dog vaccination, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, are vital to crack down on this cruel and dangerous business. For the more than 50 puppies we've rescued from these two facilities, it's been a lucky escape from the brutal dog meat trade, and we look forward to seeing them start their journeys to find loving homes," Dr. Katherine Polak, veterinarian and HSI's vice president of companion animals and engagement, shared.

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