On 22/7, Ngu Hanh Son Ward People's Committee issued a plan, tasking its Economic, Infrastructure, and Urban Management Division to collaborate with the Public Service Supply Center to form a team for catching stray dogs and cats. This initiative aims to prevent rabies and enhance urban aesthetics.

The newly formed force will receive technical training and protective equipment. They will coordinate with the city's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sub-department to transport captured animals to the centralized holding facility. Ward police officers will also join the team to ensure security and address any obstruction or opposition to public officials.

A pack of stray dogs on the beach in Hoi An Dong ward, 6/2026. Photo: Nguyen Dong.

This initiative aligns with the general policy of the Da Nang City People's Committee, outlined in Decision 2949. The city permits ward and commune People's Committees to establish teams for catching stray dogs and cats, either within their specific jurisdiction or across multiple communes, based on local circumstances.

A centralized holding facility for stray dogs and cats is located at kilometer 13 on the Nam Hai Van bypass, in Hai Van ward. This facility, part of the Kim Lien Animal Quarantine Station under the city's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sub-department, operates during administrative hours on working days: from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Captured animals will undergo classification, housing, and health monitoring for 48 hours. During this period, owners wishing to reclaim their pets must present proof of ownership, obtain confirmation from local authorities, and may face administrative fines ranging from VND 500,000 to VND 3 million, as stipulated by regulations.

If an animal remains unclaimed after 48 hours, a review council will decide whether to donate it to research facilities, organizations, or individuals, or to humanely euthanize it if it is sick or deceased. In parallel with these capture efforts, local authorities mandate that 100% of pet owners must register their animals, ensure regular rabies vaccinations, and ensure dogs wear muzzles and are leashed when in public areas.

Nguyen Dong