Residents of Vietnam's capital have been urged to stop eating dog meat to protect the city's reputation, according to BBC News.
The Hanoi People's Committee has appealed to city residents to stop eating dog meat. Officials believe This traditional practice could tarnish the country's image as a civilized and modern capital. Authorities also insist that eating dog meat is also a cause of the spread of many diseases. Furthermore, the committee urged residents to stop eating cat meat, which is less popular in Vietnam but still readily available.
There are approximately 490,000 dogs and cats in Hanoi, most of which are pets. However, over 1,000 stores in the Vietnamese capital still sell dog and cat meat.
As BBC News notes, a growing number of people in Vietnam disapprove of the tradition of eating dog meat. Many on social media support the government's appeal. However, some believe it will be difficult for some Vietnamese to give up eating animals, as it is a "very ingrained habit."
Dog meat consumption is common not only in Vietnam but also in other Asian countries. Dogs are eaten in Korea, Laos, and China. Interestingly, dog meat is the largest segment of the Vietnamese food industry. According to experts, approximately 5 million dogs are eaten in Vietnam annually.
Source: news.turizm.ru