Specifically, beating or torturing domesticated animals, including four-legged mammals like dogs and cats and two-legged avian species like chickens and ducks, could result in fines between VND1 million and VND3 million, while abattoirs could be fined between VND3 million and VND5 million should they either beat animals prior to slaughtering them or not inducing unconsciousness prior to death.

The fines would be doubled for organizations committing similar violations, at up to VND6 million.

The new decree also increased fines for introducing foreign substances into animals prior to slaughtering to up to VND50 million from the current VND30 million at maximum.

A representative for the department of livestock production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said the concept of humane treatment towards animals is still new to the population, so fines would not be too severe, only aiming to raise awareness towards the issue.

Animal torture in the decree is defined as using force to beat, bind and confine them, or leaving them to starve and not caring for them.