Stop Greyhound Racing in Vietnam and Cambodia

By Christopher Baranowski

Target: Governments of Vietnam and Cambodia

Goal: Ban the brutal and inhumane practice of racing greyhounds

As the battle against greyhound racing rages on throughout the world, there comes disheartening news from Southeast Asia.  Vietnamese entrepreneur  Nguyen Ngoc My, who opened Vietnam’s first greyhound track in 2000, is now pushing to bring the sport to Cambodia.  Tell the governments of both countries to take a stand for animal welfare and ban the inhumane racing of greyhounds for sport.

Nguyen Ngoc My was awarded a 25 year license to race greyhounds in Vietnam which allowed him to open the first track, Lam Son Stadium, in 2000.  The track originally imported dogs from Australia and also now has its own breeding operation.  Lam Son allows private ownership of the dogs and claims that they will fine any owner who fails to care for the dogs properly.  But watching videos posted by a dog welfare advocate showing these poor animals in small metal cages is enough to break anyone’s heart and make them seriously question the humanity of making dogs race for entertainment.

My is currently seeking to expand his dog racing business into Cambodia, where the government has offered him a 30 year license.  We need to tell the governments of both countries that dog racing is an outdated and cruel form of entertainment and that both of their countries could benefit just as much from a more humane form of entertainment.  Tell the prime ministers to revoke My’s licenses and ban greyhound racing.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung and Mr. Hun Sen,

Both of you have granted Mr. Nguyen Ngoc My lengthy licenses to operate greyhound racing operations in both Vietnam and Cambodia.  Lam Son Stadium, opened in Vietnam in 2000, is an unfortunate reminder that human beings still think that it is acceptable to find pleasure in watching greyhounds tirelessly race around a track.  No matter what safety precautions the stadium will take to ensure the dogs safety, greyhound racing will always be inherently inhumane and cruel.

Right now, Mr. My is contemplating opening up another racetrack in Cambodia, thanks to the 30 year license granted to him by the government.  The Cambodian government needs to reconsider its decision and send a message that dogs are more than just a commodity to be used for human entertainment.  They are beautiful creatures deserving of a full and healthy life.  Please do not allow greyhound racing in Cambodia and reconsider the decision to allow it in Vietnam.  By banning the sport, both of your countries will be taking a progressive stance towards animal welfare that will be applauded by governments and citizens around the world.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Will Go Here]