Hoi An is a picturesque world heritage town and popular tourist destination, but what visitors to Hoi An do not know is that Hoi An inhabitants are terrorized by a local criminal organization who murder their dogs and cats for the meat trade. The murder of pets in Hoi An is out of control, with hundreds of pet dogs and cats stolen and brutally murdered every week. Often the owners witness the murder of their pet outside their own house but are terrified to do anything as they themselves are threatened with sticks, knives and machetes. This happens every single day in Hoi An. The people are reluctant to inform the police of local authorities because they believe that no action will be taken.
If thieves enter your home in Hol An to steal your television, your bike or your money, they will be punished if apprehended by the police. But they can come into your home and steal your pet dog or cat or several of your pets or even murder your pets in front of your eyes, nothing is done. Some owners are getting tired of this situation and turning to vigilante actions, with several cases of the thieves being beaten almost to death last year.
We call upon the authorities to stop this lawlessness and to put proper and just measures in place to prevent the ongoing cycle of theft, fear and violence and to punish dog and cat thieves with a jail sentence.
