Man fined 2 million dong for brutally beating dog in Da Lat

Police in Da Lat have fined a man 2 million dong after a video showed him beating an Alaska dog at Lam Vien Square. The incident sparked anger online and prompted authorities in Xuan Huong Ward to summon him for questioning.

T.V.L., 38, from Ho Chi Minh City, told police that the dog belonged to him. He said he lost his temper because it did not follow his commands and struck it with a stick. The dog was regularly brought to the square so tourists could take photographs with it.

According to the Xuan Huong Ward People’s Committee, L. had recently begun staying temporarily in the Da Lat area and brought the dog to crowded public places for paid photographs. Police said they regularly disperse people who bring dogs to Lam Vien Square and other public areas for this purpose.

Authorities have urged tourists not to take photographs, hire the services or otherwise support the activity. They said enforcement remains difficult because many visitors do not cooperate. Police also said L. repeatedly walked the dog around the square and brought it out for paid photographs when officers were not present.

After the incident, people in Da Lat social-media groups called for a boycott. They argued that every paid photograph encouraged the practice to continue. A similar case involving an Alaska dog at Lam Vien Square caused public anger in August 2024, after which police worked with the owner of a dog-photography service.