This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Los Angeles has an amazing opportunity to help end the slaughter of millions of dogs and cats in Vietnam by supporting a sister city relationship that depends on Hanoi's banning of the dog and cat meat trade.

In an exciting development, a motion to implement our Sister City Project to End Dog and Cat Meat in Vietnam has been introduced in the Los Angeles City Council. Please ask your city council member to support this motion!

An estimated 5 million dogs and 1 million cats are heartbreakingly killed every year for the dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam, which is largely supplied with stolen or homeless animals.

Fortunately, hearts and minds continue to be changed about this cruel industry, and multiple surveys have found that the majority of Vietnamese people don't consider it to be part of their culture and would support a ban.

Implementing a sister city program between Los Angeles and Hanoi could spur the city into action, which would not only save countless animals from horrifying fates but also improve public health and help combat the spread of rabies, which is endemic in the country.

The impetus to end dog and cat meat is in the last sentence of the Motion, which refers to Council File 19-0002-S101, Los Angeles's official policy to oppose dog meat.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: I Support Council File 25-0193 to End the Dog and Cat Meat Trade in Vietnam

As someone who is concerned with animal welfare, I’m writing to ask you to support a motion that was recently introduced to establish a sister city relationship between Los Angeles and Hanoi, Vietnam, that could help end the dog and cat meat trade in the city.
 
The motion, Council File 25-0193, which was introduced by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and seconded by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, would promote a relationship that could improve cultural, economic, and educational interests — in addition to improving animal welfare. 
 
Multiple surveys in recent years conducted by international animal advocacy organizations show strong support among Vietnamese citizens for a ban on the dog and cat meat trade. Studies have also found the trade is coming under increased scrutiny, and poses a major health risk by reducing the efficacy of programs to combat the spread of rabies, which is endemic in the country.
 
Not only would this sister city program improve public health and save millions of animals from horrifying fates in this unregulated trade, but it would bolster economic development through trade and tourism, create connections between individuals and institutions, help establish educational opportunities, and foster the sharing of arts and culture.
 
As the motion notes, the similarities between Los Angeles and Hanoi as cultural centers, as well as the challenges they face, make them ideal for this partnership.  

I urge you to vote yes on Council File 25-0193, the Sister City Project to End Dog and Cat Meat in Vietnam. Thank you for your consideration of this important and timely matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.