Police rescue over 400 cats in Vietnam raid

Vietnamese police have dismantled a criminal operation in the capital, Ho Chi Minh City, rescuing over 400 cats from a gang specializing in pet theft. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the operation.

The gang reportedly focused on stealing and collecting cats, with the intention of selling them to traders. While consuming cat and dog meat is legal in Vietnam, sellers must prove the animals' origin. The group's plan was thwarted when police raided a facility, discovering more than 400 live cats and 80 dead ones stored in styrofoam boxes. An additional 20 live cats were found at another location.

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People who have lost their cats can come to the police station to identify their pets and help the police with the investigation.

Despite the rescue, many of the surviving cats died due to the poor conditions at the facility, according to animal welfare groups. However, approximately 40 cats have been reunited with their owners. A temporary rescue center has been established where veterinarians and volunteers are tending to the remaining animals. "People who have lost their cats can come to the police station to identify their pets and help the police with the investigation," said police officer Nguyen The Bao.

For three years, the arrested individuals allegedly captured cats across southern Vietnam. "The sad truth about this trade is that thousands of cats are stolen, smuggled, and slaughtered for meat across the country every month. Fortunately, these survivors made it," stated Phuong Pham, country manager for Humane World for Animals in Vietnam.

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The sad truth about this trade is that thousands of cats are stolen, smuggled, and slaughtered for meat across the country every month. Fortunately, these survivors made it.