Police in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, have recovered more than 400 stolen cats during a significant operation targeting a feline meat crime ring. This effort was reported by animal welfare groups and local media. Following the operation last week, over 40 of the rescued cats were reunited with their owners, although many others succumbed to the harsh conditions they endured while in captivity.
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Karanvir Kukreja, who leads a campaign against the consumption of dog and cat meat for the nonprofit Humane World for Animals, called the operation "a sobering reminder of the enormous scale" of Vietnam’s cat meat trade. The investigation was prompted by a series of pet theft reports in Ho Chi Minh City, leading police to uncover the crime ring and detain nine individuals.
Authorities discovered 45 cages with approximately 400 live cats and four ice-filled foam containers with around 80 deceased cats, in addition to 21 live cats found at another location, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Criminal Police Division. The suspects reportedly admitted to capturing and collecting cats from various regions, including Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, and An Giang, over the past three years.
According to Kukreja, millions of animals fall prey to thieves in Vietnam, who often snatch pets from the streets or steal them from homes for human consumption. Chris Gindelhumer from the nonprofit Vietnam Cat Welfare, who is assisting in the care of the rescued cats, noted the emotional toll of the situation, stating he witnessed many families searching for their lost pets.
Veterinarians and volunteers are working tirelessly to care for the rescued animals. While the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, vendors are required to have permits to validate the origins of the animals. Some cities, such as Hoi An, are collaborating with global animal welfare organizations in efforts to eliminate dog and cat meat markets. Recently, following South Korea's 2024 ban on dog meat, Vietnamese officials announced plans to reform parts of the legal system to better protect pets and the rights of their owners.