Vietnamese police rescue over 400 cats, bust meat trafficking ring

Vietnamese police have rescued more than 400 cats and busted a major cat meat trafficking operation in Ho Chi Minh City. The successful raid also saw some of the stolen cats returned to their original owners, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the grim reality of the trade.

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

Animal welfare organizations are caring for the rescued cats at a temporary shelter established within the Ho Chi Minh City Criminal Police Department. "People who have lost their cats can come to the police station to identify them and help the police in the investigation," stated police official Nguyen Te Bao to local media. This operation serves as a stark reminder of the extensive cat meat trade operating within Vietnam, according to Karanvir Kukreja of Humane World for Animals.

The investigation into a series of pet thefts culminated in the arrest of nine individuals. During a raid on a compound, authorities discovered 45 cages containing approximately 400 live cats, alongside four containers of ice holding 80 deceased cats. An additional 20 live cats were found elsewhere. Police reported that cat meat sells for about 70,000 Vietnamese dong (2.30 euros) per kilogram. This bust represents one of the largest cat protection cases in Vietnam in recent years.

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This operation serves as a sobering reminder of the vast scale of the cat meat trade in Vietnam.

Suspects confessed to three years of capturing and collecting cats across southern Vietnam. "The sad truth about this trade is that thousands of cats are stolen, sold, and slaughtered for meat every month across our country," said Phuong Pham, director of Humane World for Animals in Vietnam. The raid has reportedly raised awareness, prompting some, like Ho Chi Minh City master's student An Pham, to call for an end to cat meat consumption.

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The sad truth about this trade is that thousands of cats are stolen, sold, and slaughtered for meat every month across our country.

While consuming dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, sellers require permits to verify the animals' origins. Some cities are collaborating with international animal welfare groups to curb the practice. Following South Korea's ban on dog meat in 2024, Vietnamese officials indicated plans to reform the legal system to better protect pets and their owners' rights.

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This raid has surprised many and made them aware to stop eating cat meat.