Police rescue hundreds of cats from being eaten in Vietnam with bust of major animal theft ring

Police in Vietnam seized over 500 cats during a week-long operation targeting a cat meat trafficking ring in Ho Chi Minh City. The bust, led by an investigation into pet thefts, resulted in the detention of nine individuals and the discovery of 45 cages holding 400 live cats, along with four containers of frozen cat meat. An additional 21 live cats were found at a separate location. The suspects admitted to trapping and collecting cats in Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, and An Giang over the past three years. Animal welfare groups reported that 40 rescued cats were reunited with their owners, but several dozen died due to the severe conditions they endured. Some of the rescued cats were pregnant, leading to kittens being born in police custody this week. Humane World for Animals described the operation as a stark reminder of Vietnam’s large-scale cat meat trade, where thousands of cats are stolen and slaughtered monthly. The group’s country director, Phuong Pham, expressed relief that the survivors escaped but emphasized the ongoing threat to cats nationwide. Local media called this one of Vietnam’s largest cat welfare cases in recent years. Volunteers and veterinarians are working around the clock to care for the rescued animals, with some families reuniting with their pets while others remain missing. The incident has sparked discussions about tightening regulations, as consumption of dog and cat meat remains legal in Vietnam, though some cities like Hoi An are collaborating with global groups to end the practice. The operation follows South Korea’s 2024 ban on dog meat, prompting Vietnamese officials to consider reforms to better protect pets and their owners. Animal welfare advocates hope the bust will raise awareness and push for stricter laws against the illegal trade.