Vietnam couple whose dogs were culled sparking backlash adopt 15 new puppies

A Vietnamese couple whose emotional story had gripped the nation after their 12 pet canines have been killed by authorities over the baseless concern that they might have unfold Covid have now adopted a brand new brood of puppies – a few of whom have been rescued from canine meat outlets.

Pham Minh Hung and his spouse Nguyen Thi Chi Em have adopted 15 puppies after they obtained an outpouring of help and donations from individuals following an outrage amongst over the killing of their canines, reported BBC’s Vietnamese service.

Mr Pham stated they obtained 120 million Vietnamese dong (£3,898) from donors who raised the cash after their 12 canines have been killed by authorities who stated the pets might have contracted Covid, regardless of there being no proof for the declare.

Mr Pham stated that, regardless of being busy caring for the brand new puppies, he was nonetheless dealing with the lack of his pets, recalling that he was “despondent and cried loads” when his canines have been killed.

He additionally identified that he was affected by Covid on the time, one thing that added to his torment.

“We raised the canines for six, seven years. I used to be very unhappy. In the course of the Lunar New Yr, we went again to the place the place the canines have been killed and burnt incense for our kids,” he added.

It began with Mr Pham turning into a viral sensation on social media in Vietnam after pictures and movies of him and his spouse travelling with a pack of canines on motorbikes went viral.

The images of the canines, a few of whom wore raincoats, have been perched on high of their baggage and have been broadly circulated as they took a 300km-long journey to flee Covid restrictions from one other space within the nation.

Nevertheless, the story, which many on social media stated supplied them with consolation throughout robust situations amid lockdowns, got here to a tragic finish when Mr Pham discovered their pets have been “brutally killed” by authorities officers with out their consent in October final 12 months.

The canines have been killed after the couple caught Covid throughout their journey to their hometown and have been transferred to a hospital whereas the animals have been taken to a quarantine centre.

Mr Pham alleged the pets have been caned earlier than being killed and his spouse informed Vice Information that among the pets have been first drowned after which burned.

“Two males put my canines in baggage, submerged them in water after which threw them in hearth to burn,” Ms Nguyen informed the information outlet, citing witnesses.

However Mr Pham is now looking for solace by adopting new puppies, a few of whom he purchased earlier than they might have been butchered for his or her meat.

“A few of them seemed so unhealthy as they have been locked up for his or her meat, so I purchased them and raised them,” Mr Pham stated.

He’s now on the lookout for some bricklaying work and goals to promote lottery tickets to avoid wasting cash and maintain the canines he fondly refers to as his “kids”.