Police in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, have rescued more than 400 cats in a significant operation against a cat meat crime ring, as reported by local media and animal welfare organizations. Following the multi-day operation last week, over 40 of the rescued cats were reunited with their owners, though around 100 succumbed to harsh conditions during captivity, according to animal advocates.
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Karanvir Kukreja, who leads the anti-dog and cat meat campaign for the nonprofit Humane World for Animals, commented on the operation, calling it a “sobering reminder of the enormous scale of Vietnam’s cat meat trade.” The police investigation was initiated after a series of pet thefts led them to uncover the crime ring and subsequently detain nine suspects.
Authorities found 45 cages containing around 400 live cats, along with four containers filled with approximately 80 dead cats. An additional 21 live cats were recovered from another location. The total of seized cats has been reported as exceeding 500, marking one of the largest cases of cat welfare issues in Vietnam in recent years.
According to police, the suspects confessed to capturing and collecting cats from various locations across southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces such as Tay Ninh and An Giang. Kukreja noted that millions of animals are frequently targeted by thieves who take pets from the streets to sell or slaughter for meat.
Chris Gindelhumer from the nonprofit Vietnam Cat Welfare, who is assisting with the care of the rescued cats, remarked on the emotional nature of the situation, stating, “I saw quite a lot of tears in the last few days.” He highlighted the mixture of joy and heartbreak as many families sought their lost pets, while some did not find them.
Veterinarians and volunteers are reportedly working tirelessly to care for the rescued animals. While the consumption of dog and cat meat remains legal in Vietnam, vendors are required to have permits to validate the animals' origins. Cities such as Hoi An are collaborating with global animal welfare groups to end the practice.
Recently, following South Korea's announcement to ban dog meat in 2024, Vietnamese officials have indicated plans to strengthen the legal framework aimed at better protecting pets and their owners' rights. An Pham, a master's degree student and cat enthusiast in Ho Chi Minh City, mentioned that this incident has heightened awareness and prompted discussions to end cat meat consumption.