Man fined $76 for beating dog at Vietnam's Da Lat square

Police in Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward said on Saturday that they had fined T.V.L. for "beating and cruelly mistreating a domestic animal."

L. has paid the fine.

The case came to light after a video showing L. using a stick to beat his dog at Lam Vien Square on September 2 circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage.

Police summoned L. for questioning the following day.

L. told police that the Alaskan Malamute belonged to him and that he had beaten it because he was angry that it did not follow his commands. 

The dog was regularly brought to the square for tourists to take photos with.

According to the Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward People's Committee, L. had recently begun staying temporarily in the Da Lat area and brought the dog to crowded public places to offer paid photo services to tourists.

Police said they regularly disperse people who bring dogs to Lam Vien Square and other public areas to offer such services.

Authorities have warned tourists against taking photos with, hiring or otherwise supporting such services, but some visitors continue to use them, making enforcement difficult.

Police said L. was frequently seen walking the dog around the square and would bring it out for paid photo sessions when authorities were not present.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over the use of dogs for paid tourist photo services in Da Lat.

A similar case occurred at Lam Vien Square in August 2024, when an Alaskan Malamute dog used for tourist photo services was also filmed being beaten and mistreated, prompting public outrage and police intervention.

Following the latest incident, several Da Lat-related social media groups have called for a boycott of dog photo services at Lam Vien Square.

Many users argue that paying for photos encourages owners to continue bringing dogs to the square as a way to make money.

They have urged tourists not to take photos, pay for the service or otherwise support the practice, saying the service could disappear if there is no longer demand.