Unleashed dogs gather and play freely at Gia Dinh Park, Ho Chi Minh City, April 18, 2026. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

Last Saturday, dozens of dogs were seen running freely in Gia Dinh Park without leashes or muzzles.

Witnesses said the animals defecated on grass and near trees, even as crowds of people gathered for exercise and leisure.

At times, the dogs formed packs, chasing each other and disrupting visitors.

The park management authority has posted rules prohibiting pets, and security staff regularly remind owners not to bring dogs inside.

Despite these measures, violations remain common.

A sign at Gia Dinh Park, Ho Chi Minh City prohibits pets, but violations persist. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

Nhu Thanh, a local resident, said she often takes her child to the park and feels unsafe.

“Dogs should be muzzled and accompanied by their owners to ensure safety, especially for children. I’ve even seen people bring dogs just to let them relieve themselves and then leave,” she said.

Similar scenes occur along the Nhieu Loc Canal, where large dogs wander without muzzles or leashes, defecating on walkways and mingling with pedestrians.

A dog roams freely without an owner at Gia Dinh Park, Ho Chi Minh City, April 18, 2026. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

A pet owner uses a phone while letting his dog run loose at Gia Dinh Park, Ho Chi Minh City, April 18, 2026. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

A dog without a muzzle or leash walks ahead while its owner follows behind at Gia Dinh Park, Ho Chi Minh City, April 18, 2026. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

A young woman walks an unmuzzled dog at Gia Dinh Park, Ho Chi Minh City, April 18, 2026. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

Large dogs gather along Nhieu Loc Canal in Ho Chi Minh City without leashes or muzzles, April 19, 2026. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

Pedestrians pass two unleashed dogs along Nhieu Loc Canal in Ho Chi Minh City, raising safety concerns, April 19, 2026. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre