On 27/7, a black dog of unknown breed entered a property in Hoi Lam village, Son Cam Ha commune (formerly Tien Phuoc district, Quang Nam province) and bit a 5-year-old boy. While trying to fend off the dog, the boy’s mother was also bitten. The dog also bit another woman and two teenagers before being killed by the homeowner's dog.
The Central Veterinary Diagnosis and Testing Center II confirmed the dog was rabid. Authorities have not yet released information about the victims' treatment or the dog owner's liability.
According to lawyer Hoang Anh Son, from the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, if the dog owner failed to vaccinate their animal against rabies, they could face an administrative fine of 1 to 2 million VND. Additionally, under Article 603 of the 2015 Civil Code, the owner is also obligated to compensate the victims for rabies vaccination and other related expenses.
If the owner's negligence regarding safety measures while raising dogs or cats leads to a fatality or serious injury exceeding 30%, they could face criminal charges. This could include charges of involuntary manslaughter under Article 128 of the Penal Code or involuntary infliction of injury under Article 138.
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A health worker takes a sample from the dog that attacked people. Photo: Son Cam Ha |
A health worker takes a sample from the dog that attacked people. Photo: Son Cam Ha
What safety measures are required for dog and cat owners?
According to lawyer Son, most rabies infections currently stem from unvaccinated pets, particularly those allowed to roam freely. Therefore, pet owners need to understand the legal regulations to avoid unintentional violations and endangering the community.
Article 66 of the 2018 Livestock Law stipulates that dog and cat owners must manage their pets and implement the following safety measures: vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies as prescribed by veterinary law; immediately report any suspected rabies symptoms to the communal People's Committee or local animal husbandry and veterinary officials, and handle the situation according to veterinary law; ensure the safety of other people and animals, maintain environmental hygiene and veterinary sanitation; and compensate for any damage caused by their animals, as prescribed by law.
Accordingly, owners must not let their dogs or cats roam freely. When taking them to public places, crowded areas, or residential buildings, owners must muzzle their dogs, use leashes, and have someone in control of the animal. They must also ensure environmental hygiene and strictly adhere to rabies vaccination requirements.
What are the penalties for violations?
Clause 2, Article 7 of Decree 90/2017, amended by Clause 3, Article 2 of Government Decree 04/2020, stipulates that dog and cat owners will be fined from 1 to 2 million VND for the following violations:
- Failure to vaccinate animals against rabies when required.
- Failure to muzzle dogs or keep them leashed and under control in public places.
These fines apply to individuals. Organizations committing similar violations face double the penalty (as per Clause 2, Article 4 of Decree 90/2017, amended by Clause 3, Article 3 of Decree 07/2022).
Rabies is showing signs of resurgence. On 21/4/2023, the Prime Minister issued Directive 11/CT-TTg on strengthening urgent measures for rabies prevention and control. Ministers, heads of relevant agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People's Committees are required to mobilize resources to implement comprehensive and decisive rabies control measures.
In early 3/2024, a rabid dog bit 14 students and teachers at a school in Quang Ninh.
Hai Duyen
