Couple adopts 15 puppies after their dogs were culled amidst Covid fears

According to the BBC, last October Pham Minh Hung and Nguyen Thi Chi Em travelled to a relative’s home in Ca Mau province in an attempt to escape contracting Covid-19 as cases were on the rise in Long An Province, where they worked. They undertook the 280 kilometres journey along with their 12 dogs. But when they reached Khanh Hung, they tested positive for Covid-19 and were shifted to a hospital for treatment.

As they were undergoing treatment, their dogs were left at a quarantine centre. Later, much to their despair, the couple got to know the Vietnamese authorities killed their dogs to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

While speaking to the BBC, Pham Minh Hung said, “When my dogs were killed, I was despondent and cried a lot. At the same time, we had Covid. My family was under a lot of pressure.”

A year later, as Covid-19 infections are under control, the couple decided to adopt 15 more dogs, a few of whom were rescued from the dog meat shops. They shared their adoption journey on TikTok, which gained much popularity and their story has prompted many people to send them donations.

Vietnam dog owners rescue 15 puppies after authorities killed their dogs while they were getting treatment for Covid last year https://t.co/t3G8MDELEE @BBCWorld pic.twitter.com/xbVLuKUUny

— 🌎Animal Watch🌍 (@Animal_Watch) February 18, 2022

Guardian angels on earth ❤️

— Phoebe (@Satire_sapien) February 18, 2022

It had a bitter sweet ending of sorts. People everywhere love their pets, even in countries where dogs are harvested for protein. While stationed there I was told not to eat the local fare.

— John Karkalis (@JKarkalis) February 18, 2022

We need more heroes like this 🐶🤍 https://t.co/ggJTAijtkR

— Nala’s friends shelter (@nalasfriends_be) February 18, 2022

Authorities killed the dogs? How cruel! What if they were children? Would they do the same thing? We have lost our humanity… so terrible 😣… https://t.co/z3gBBf8K22

— Anita Nadar (@thoughtfully_an) February 18, 2022

While speaking about his newly adopted pets, Pham told the BBC, “I love them so much. Raising 15 children is expensive, but I also get help from good people.”