Hundreds of cats stolen for food in Vietnam rescued by police

Vietnamese authorities have rescued over 400 cats destined for slaughter after dismantling an alleged feline theft ring. Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the criminal group, which specialized in stealing and collecting cats, according to the Ho Chi Minh City police newspaper.

During raids last week in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City, officers recovered more than 400 live cats and approximately 80 dead animals preserved on ice. An additional 21 cats were seized at a separate facility. The suspects reportedly admitted to trapping and collecting cats across southern Vietnam for the past three years, transporting them to holding facilities before selling them to traders every two to three days.

While the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, vendors must possess permits that verify the animals' origin. Police initiated their investigation on June 11 following a series of pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City. Approximately 40 of the rescued cats have since been reunited with their owners, according to the animal welfare group Humane World for Animals.

Humane World for Animals praised the authorities' decisive action but noted that some animals died due to their ordeal. The organization is providing support for the animals still held as evidence. Police are continuing their investigation and urge residents who suspect their pets were stolen to come forward. An estimated five million dogs and one million cats are trafficked and slaughtered for meat in Vietnam annually.

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decisive action that has saved the lives of so many animals