Police in Vietnam rescued more than 400 cats during a raid on a cat meat trafficking operation in Ho Chi Minh City, according to local media and animal welfare organizations. Reports indicate that over 40 cats have been returned to their owners following the multi-day operation last week, though several dozen of the rescued animals died due to poor conditions.
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Karanvir Kukreja, leader of the Humane World for Animals campaign against the consumption of dog and cat meat, described the bust as a stark indication of the extensive cat meat trade in Vietnam. The police investigation into a series of pet thefts led to the identification of the trafficking ring, resulting in the detention of nine suspects.
Authorities discovered 45 cages with approximately 400 live cats and four containers filled with ice containing around 80 deceased cats. Additionally, 21 living cats were found at another site. With the total number exceeding 500, local reports have characterized this case as one of the largest focusing on cat welfare in recent years.
The suspects admitted to capturing and gathering cats from various areas in southern Vietnam over the past three years, specifically from Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring provinces of Tay Ninh and An Giang. Phuong Pham, director of Humane World for Animals in Vietnam, highlighted that thousands of cats are stolen and slaughtered monthly for meat in the country, although some survivors were saved.
Several of the rescued cats were found to be pregnant, leading to the birth of kittens in police custody. Chris Gindelhumer from Vietnam Cat Welfare, who is assisting in caring for the animals, expressed the emotional toll of the event saying many families came looking for their lost cats, while others unfortunately could not find theirs. He noted the extensive efforts being made by veterinarians and volunteers to care for the rescued animals.
While the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, vendors must possess permits that verify the animals' origins. Certain cities, including Hoi An, are collaborating with international animal welfare groups to eliminate dog and cat meat sales. Amid these developments, Vietnamese officials have indicated plans to reform legal protections for pets and their owners following South Korea's impending ban on dog meat. An Pham, a student and cat lover in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked that the incident has heightened awareness and prompted discussions on ceasing cat meat consumption.