To:

Director-General of the WHO

Director of the Department of Mental Health and Subtance Use

WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region

Head of Child Health and Development Unit - WHO

 

WHO, (World Health Organization), we know already that you do amazing work worldwide promoting health, including mental health.

Therefore, we need you to please publicly condemn the dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam because this cruel, barbaric trade is having a devastating, detrimental effect on its citizens mental health.

WHO, we implore you to help us in the fight against the dog and cat meat consumption. 

A message from one caring Vietnamese citizen: "The dog and cat meat trade problem is causing Vietnamese people such distress and mental trauma. Everyday, people are so afraid that their animals are going to be stolen. I myself suffer from mental health problems and depression. It could be cruel dog thieves or state catchers - all of them are against the innocent, helpless animals. We desperately need animal protection laws and to close down the dog meat shops immediately."

An estimated five million dogs and over one million cats are consumed annually in Vietnam. The dog and cat meat trade has major health implications, both physical and psychological.

Physical health risks of the dog and cat meat trade, please read "A GLOBAL HEALTH RISK" https://dogcatmeat.fourpawsusa.org/the-truth/a-global-health-risk 

This trade is characterized by severe animal cruelty. Many studies have shown the connection between witnessing animal cruelty and mental health problems. It is clearly evident that witnessing extreme cruelty to animals and not being able to act to change the situation is extremely traumatizing. 

The nature of the trade is very brutal. Regardless of how the animals were acquired - stolen, grabbed from the streets, raised for the meat trade - all are treated cruelly at every stage of the trade - whether storing, packing, transporting or finally butchering. A few examples of slaughter methods: The dogs are beaten for a long prolonged painful death, whereas the cats are thrown alive into boiling pots of water. 

Vietnamese caring people are suffering. They are looking for their stolen pets in panic every day for example on numerous groups on social media. They are also sharing the videos and pictures of the dogs and cats that are being sold for meat at the slaughterhouses or restaurants in hopes someone could save them. 

And it's not just Vietnamese, people outside Vietnam suffer too. Many people feel that the only way to cope with this, is to turn a blind eye. That tells how much mental burden it brings.

Companion animals give so much to people. It's proven, they help keep their owners healthy both physically and mentally.

Do we even need to eat animals in this day and age when there are so many more healthy plant based options?

Man domesticated dogs and cats to help him. To kill and eat your own helper, your friend - it's a betrayal. 

WHO, we implore you to give your attention to this enormous, serious problem and use your power and influence to help end the dog and cat meat trade. 

Thank you.