Photo courtesy of Tuoi Tre

Police in Lam Dong Province are handling a case involving a 38-year-old Ho Chi Minh City man accused of repeatedly beating his Alaskan Malamute at Da Lat's Lam Vien Square, where the dog was used for paid tourist photographs.

Ward police questioned the man, identified as T.V.L., after a video of the incident circulated online. He said the dog was his pet and that he had beaten it because it did not follow commands.

Police investigation

The video showed the man striking the dog with a hard object, including around its neck. The incident happened at Lam Vien Square near Xuan Huong Lake, a prominent Da Lat attraction where visitors had paid to take pictures with the animal.

Authorities say he acknowledged that his treatment of the animal was wrong and had harmed Da Lat's image as a civilised, friendly destination. Ward police are completing a case file under the applicable law.

Tourist-photo trade under scrutiny

For years, handlers had brought large dogs, including Alaskan Malamutes, to the square and charged tourists for photographs. Similar abuse videos circulated in 2024, after which authorities banned pets being used for paid photo services at the site.

The case has renewed questions about animal welfare, visitor expectations and informal tourist attractions in public spaces. Police have not announced a final sanction.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

For visitors and residents, the case is a reminder that paid animal-photo services at this location have been prohibited. Anyone concerned about animal cruelty can report it to local authorities, while travellers should avoid supporting attractions that depend on animal distress.

4 September 2026

It should be illegal to keep dog breeds from the arctic region in tropical or subtropical countries!

It's Vietnam. He was probably tenderizing it.

Animal abuse in Vietnam?

Nothing new there.