Imagine for a moment: your cats disappear, carried away to end up on a plate. An unimaginable horror which is hidden every day in certain regions of the world, alas…
Animal trafficking in Asia: a clandestine trade
Illegal trade of domestic and wild animals is exploding in Asia, fueled by a growing appetite for rare species. Traffickers, operating in well-established networks, link Asian markets to sources in Africa and South America. Thus, it intensifies the ecological threat. In Thailand, massive seizures made it possible to confiscate thousands of exotic animalsnotably radiated tortoises, victims of a trade worth billions of dollars.
This traffic destroys ecosystems, accelerates the extinction of certain species and strengthens organized crime, according to the Wildlife Justice Commission. NGOs and government initiatives are working to break these criminal chains to protect biodiversity in danger. Additionally, in Vietnam, thieves capture and kill mammals such as dogs and cats every day, as reported by the site Closer.
300 cats slaughtered monthly: the shocking practices of an illegal restaurant
For five years, a restaurant in Vietnam hit the headlines one after another, sparking a real outcry. In fact, no less than 300 cats were slaughtered every month to end up in traditional dishes, shocking public opinion. Behind this ordinary facade was hidden a dark tradewhich quickly triggered the anger of animal rights activists.
It was not only the brutality of the act which aroused indignation. But, the fact that these cats were pets stolen, torn from their homes. The story traveled the globe, raising urgent calls for action. Nevertheless, this scandal has shone a spotlight on the need to strengthen animal protection laws and to educate to change mentalities.
Cats spared: a Vietnamese restaurateur changes his menu and his conscience
Pham Quoc Doanh, the owner of these controversial places, has finally changed course. He signed a decisive agreement with the NGO Humane Societyputting end to this dark era. In exchange, his establishment will be converted into a grocery store, goodbye cats on the menu. This turning point promises to redefine the atmosphere of the neighborhood and, perhaps, to boost a national transformation.
More, this change goes well beyond a simple business. It illustrates a evolution of mentalitiesa collective awakening to the need to respect animal life, particularly that of cats. The situation raises many debates: how to reconcile culinary traditions and animal ethics? What role should NGOs play in this transition? To be continued.
