Open Letter to the Royal Government of Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia – April ___ 2026
Your Excellency Prime Minister Hun Manet,
Members of the Royal Government of Cambodia,
We, the undersigned leaders of the newly formed Stop Dog Meat Cambodia Coalition are representing millions of compassionate voices worldwide, urgently calling upon you to end the slaughter, sale, and consumption of dog meat in Cambodia through a swift announcement and structured phase-out from 2026.
The Urgent Case for Action
Each year, millions of dogs – beloved pets, loyal strays, family guardians – suffer unspeakable cruelty: abducted from streets and homes, crammed into suffocating cages, transported without sustenance, beaten mercilessly, and slaughtered in grim markets amid pools of blood and cries of agony. This trade spreads rabies unchecked, endangering public health, while shattering communities and tarnishing Cambodia’s rising global image as a safe, modern destination.
Popularised by Vietnamese populations in the 1970s and 1980s, Dog meat exists not as a cultural highlight, but an undermining factor to its international reputation. The official religion of Cambodia, Theravada Buddhism, even prohibits the consumption of dog in its monastic guidelines. We believe it is time to move on from health myths and put public safety first.
Proven Success in Siem Reap
Charities like FOUR PAWS, responsible for the successful 2020 dog meat ban in Siem Reap found huge support from Cambodians for a nationwide ban and that those involved in the trade expressed a “desperation to exit”. Due to the vaccination and sterilisation efforts that followed; stray dog populations reduced and rabies dropped by 30% in just over one year.
Our Coalition’s Bold Commitments
United by Animals of Our World Sanctuary – we partner with _________________________, and others to support your leadership through:
- Public health, safety and compassion education, including via the school curriculum.
- Mass sterilisation and vaccination drives to minimise stray populations and curb disease.
- Programs transitioning dog meat workers to sustainable livelihoods.
- Adoptions, rescues and community outreach to provide safety from disease and trauma.
- A surging petition, already backed by ___________, delivered directly to your offices demanding the 2026 phase-out.
These initiatives ensure a smooth, compassionate transition, mirroring triumphs across Asia.
A Legacy of Compassion
Prime Minister, Cambodia stands at a crossroads. By announcing the end of this cruel trade now and phasing it out in 2026, your government will etch a legacy of progress—elevating animal welfare, public health, and national pride for generations. With mounting pressure and successful change across China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and South Korea, Cambodia has the chance to show the world it is a leader in compassion and public health.
We respectfully appeal for your leadership in announcing a national phase-out of the dog meat trade in 2026. We are fully prepared to collaborate in ensuring this transition strengthens Cambodia’s health, economy, and international standing.
We stand ready to collaborate fully.
In solidarity,
Tobias Pugh
Campaign Coordinator
Animals of Our World
On behalf of the Stop Dog Meat Cambodia Coalition
[Signatures of Coalition Partners to Follow]
