Ho Chi Minh City Orders Crackdown on Roaming Dogs, Boosts Rabies Vaccinations

Ho Chi Minh City authorities are mandating a crackdown on free-roaming dogs, directing all communes and wards to enhance control measures and expedite rabies vaccination programs. This intensified effort aims to curb the potential spread of rabies and other infectious diseases from animals to humans, a long-standing issue in the city's residential neighborhoods.

The municipal People's Committee has issued a directive requiring local authorities to strictly manage dog and cat populations. This includes collaborating with veterinary agencies to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies. Furthermore, measures will be taken to address the problem of dogs being allowed to roam freely, and owners will be educated on their responsibilities as stipulated by regulations.

Owners found in violation of these regulations, such as failing to vaccinate their dogs, not using muzzles, or not leashing them in public areas, face significant penalties. According to Government Decree 204/2026, fines can range from 1 to 2 million Vietnamese dong. The city also aims to achieve a rabies vaccination rate of over 95% for its dog population, prioritizing areas that have previously reported rabies cases.