Free-roaming, unmuzzled dogs persist in public spaces in Ho Chi Minh City despite fines

Dog owners who take their pets into public places without a muzzle or without keeping them on a leash shall face fines ranging from VND1 million (US$38) to VND2 million $76), starting from Saturday.

The penalty is stipulated in the government’s Decree No. 204, issued in June, on administrative penalties in the veterinary sector.

The decree took effect on August 1.

As observed by reporters of Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper on Sunday at Canh Doi Park in Tan Hung Ward, many owners continued to allow their dogs to roam freely.

Even during rainy weather, they allowed their dogs to run freely throughout the park without leashes or muzzles.

Several of the dogs also pooped on grass, creating unsanitary conditions and diminishing the quality of shared public spaces.

Similarly, numerous dogs wandered freely along pedestrian paths without proper control at Gia Dinh Park in Hanh Thong Ward and along the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal embankment.

The situation has raised concerns among residents about public safety, particularly for children.

Nam, a resident of Nhieu Loc Ward, said he exercises almost every afternoon along Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal.

It is common to see dog owners bringing their pets to the area without muzzles or leashes, especially in the late afternoon when many allow their dogs to run and exercise, he said.

“I'm not too worried about some of the smaller dogs because they seem gentle,” Nam said.

“However, there are also very large dogs that look quite aggressive and are still allowed to roam freely without muzzles.

“Every time I walk past them, I feel uneasy.

“If one suddenly charges at someone or an accidental collision occurs, it could be very dangerous, especially for elderly people and children."

Nhu, who regularly jogs in the park, said one of the biggest problems is that many pet owners treat public parks as toilets for their dogs.

People exercising early in the morning or late in the evening often step on dog waste scattered across walkways and grassy areas because they fail to notice it in time.

An official of the Hanh Thong Ward administration told Tuoi Tre that local authorities have repeatedly conducted public awareness campaigns urging residents to comply with pet management regulations and have already fined several violators.

The ward is considering establishing a dedicated enforcement team to strengthen inspections and deal with the problem of free-roaming dogs.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Tan Hung Ward administration said the immediate priority is to continue educating residents about the regulations.

If violations persist and the number of free-roaming dogs increases, the ward will step up enforcement efforts.