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

Vietnamese police have dismantled a major cat meat crime ring in Ho Chi Minh City, rescuing over 400 cats in a significant operation that also led to the detention of nine individuals. The bust, which occurred last week, brought relief to many families as more than 40 stolen pets were reunited with their owners.

However, the operation also revealed the grim reality of the trade, with approximately 100 of the rescued cats succumbing to the harsh conditions they endured. Officers discovered 45 cages holding around 400 live cats and four containers with about 80 dead cats, with an additional 21 live cats found at a separate location. Local media reported this seizure as one of Vietnam's largest cat welfare cases in recent years.

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a sobering reminder of the enormous scale of Vietnam’s cat meat trade

Suspects admitted to trapping and collecting cats across southern Vietnam over the past three years. Karanvir Kukreja of Humane World for Animals stated that the operation serves as a "sobering reminder of the enormous scale of Vietnam’s cat meat trade." Millions of animals are victims of theft in Vietnam, snatched from streets or homes for human consumption.

Chris Gindelhumer of Vietnam Cat Welfare described the scene as emotional, with many families searching for their lost pets. "It’s really beautiful to see how many Vietnamese families are coming, looking for their cats," he said, "But it’s also heartbreaking because many families were looking for their cats and didn’t find them." Veterinarians and volunteers are working tirelessly to care for the surviving animals. While the consumption of cat meat is legal in Vietnam, vendors require permits for animal origins, and some cities are collaborating with welfare groups to curb the practice.

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It’s really beautiful to see how many Vietnamese families are coming, looking for their cats. But it’s also heartbreaking because many families were looking for their cats and didn’t find them.