The recent death of a barn owl in Ho Chi Minh City, whose wing feathers were clipped, has drawn attention to Vietnam’s wildlife protection laws. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone who cares about animals or may encounter wildlife in the country.

The barn owl is listed in Group IIB under Vietnam’s regulations on endangered, precious, and rare forest animals. This classification determines the level of protection and the penalties for illegal handling.

Under Articles 24, 25 and 26 of Decree 146/2026/ND-CP, illegal hunting, capturing, killing, keeping, confining, transporting, possessing or trading Group IIB animals can lead to administrative fines ranging from VND1 million (US$39) to VND300 million (US$11,700). Violations involving Group IB animals may attract fines of up to VND360 million (US$14,000). The law also allows confiscation of the animals, vehicles or equipment used in the offence, and may require payment equal to their value.

When the conduct is deemed a criminal offence, Article 234 of the Penal Code can be applied, imposing a maximum prison term of 12 years and fines up to VND200 million (US$7,770). Additional penalties may include a ban on holding certain positions or practising specific professions for up to five years. For more strictly protected wildlife, Article 244 provides a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Vietnam’s wildlife laws can fine offenders from VND1 million to VND360 million, imprison them up to 12 years (15 years for the most protected species), and even ban them from certain jobs. These measures show that harming protected animals carries serious legal consequences.