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Efforts to raise animal welfare standards are gaining traction in Vietnam, as stakeholders look to align with global expectations. The country currently holds an F rating in the Animal Protection Index (API), reflecting persistent gaps in legislation and enforcement.
These challenges, and opportunities for reform, were discussed at the workshop ‘Strengthening Animal Welfare in Vietnam – Priorities and Multi-Stakeholder Coordination’ held in Hanoi on June 24. Experts emphasized that coordinated action will be essential for Vietnam’s livestock sector to remain competitive in international markets.
Rapid industry growth exposes regulatory gaps
Vietnam’s poultry industry continues to expand rapidly. According to Ha Thuy Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Farm and Agricultural Enterprise Association (VFAEA):
- Poultry population (2025): nearly 585 million birds
- Output: 2.6 million tons of poultry meat and 21.4 billion eggs, with further growth projected in 2026
- Commercial production: Large-scale farms account for 56-58% of total output
The growth in large-scale production creates opportunities to apply welfare standards, but laws remain focused on disease control and food safety. Current regulations do not recognize animals as sentient beings with behavioral needs.
Existing regulations do not fully recognize animals as sentient beings with natural behavioral needs.
As a result, Vietnam received a G rating—the lowest score—for farm animal protection in the World Animal Protection (WAP) assessment. Shortcomings include:
- Long-distance transport of live animals remains permitted.
- No species-specific standards for pre-slaughter stunning.
- Ban on slaughtering animals in front of others is difficult to enforce in small facilities.
Protection gaps extend beyond farm animals
Experts also noted that legal protection remains limited for other categories of animals.
Companion animals: Rules focus mainly on rabies prevention and stray dog management. Vietnam lacks a humane population control system, while the dog meat trade remains legal in many regions.
Entertainment animals: No comprehensive rules govern working hours, workloads, or welfare conditions for animals in circuses, racing, tourism, or similar activities.
Laboratory animals: Vietnam has yet to fully adopt the internationally recognized 3Rs Principle:
- Replacement: use alternatives to animal testing
- Reduction: minimize animal use
- Refinement: improve procedures to reduce pain and distress
Moving closer to international standards
Improving Vietnam’s API ranking is not only a welfare issue but also a market requirement. Access to global supply chains increasingly depends on compliance with animal welfare standards.
Experts recommend incorporating the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards into domestic law, guided by the Five Freedoms framework.
Meanwhile, the VFAEA has introduced voluntary Minimum Welfare Standards for Laying Hens, covering:
- Feed and water: Adequate nutrition according to growth stage, continuous access to clean water, and sufficient feeder space
- Housing environment: Minimum stocking density of 0.14 m² per laying hen (equivalent to seven hens per square meter), with adequate nesting boxes, perches, and litter
- Housing conditions: Strict control of lighting, ventilation, temperature, and ammonia (NH₃) levels
- Health management: Routine health monitoring and proper use of veterinary medicines
- Humane treatment: Humane euthanasia procedures for severely ill or injured birds
The transition toward responsible and welfare-oriented livestock production is no longer just an animal welfare issue, it is becoming essential for Vietnam’s competitiveness in international markets.