Despite clear prohibitions on bringing pets into certain public areas, unmuzzled and unleashed dogs remain a common sight in Ho Chi Minh City's central parks, raising concerns over safety and hygiene.

On Thursday, following an incident where a security guard was assaulted for enforcing pet regulations at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, observations by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper at the walking street, 23/9 Park, and Bach Dang Park confirmed that many pet owners ignored posted regulations and brought their unmuzzled dogs into these areas, with some pets even roaming freely and approaching young children.

The park regulations sign at 23/9 Park reads that pets are not allowed to be walked or unleashed. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

At 23/9 Park, around 10 dogs were spotted without muzzles, with only two being walked on a leash. Some owners let their dogs run freely, with several defecating near trees.

A dog is being walked by a person in 23/9 Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, February 27, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

A person walks a dog in 23/9 Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, February 27, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

Unmuzzled dogs run loose in 23/9 Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, February 27, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

At Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, a woman was seen sitting on a bench while her unmuzzled dog roamed nearby. She later picked up the dog and left.

The park regulations at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City state that pets are not allowed to be walked or unleashed. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

At Bach Dang Wharf Park, a young woman brought an unmuzzled dog on a leash, which two children approached out of curiosity, raising potential safety concerns.

A girl lets a leashed dog down onto the ground at Bach Dang Wharf Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, February 27, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

A local resident near the Nguyen Hue promenade confirmed that security guards regularly remind pet owners of the no-dogs policy, and most comply when warned.

Lawyer Nguyen Ngo Quang Nhat, a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, emphasized that dog owners who fail to muzzle or leash their pets in public places can face fines between VND1 million (US$40) to VND2 million ($80) under the Vietnamese government’s Decree 90/2017, as amended by Decree 04/2020.

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