Police in Vietnam rescued more than 400 cats during a significant operation against a cat meat crime ring in Ho Chi Minh City, according to reports from animal welfare organizations and local media. Following the multiday operation last week, over 40 of the rescued cats were successfully reunited with their owners. However, about 100 cats died due to the harsh conditions they endured while being held.
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Karanvir Kukreja, who leads a campaign against dog and cat meat consumption for the nonprofit Humane World for Animals, described the operation as a stark reminder of the extensive cat meat trade in Vietnam. The investigation began last week after a series of pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City led police to the crime ring, resulting in the detention of nine suspects.
During the operation, officials discovered 45 cages containing around 400 live cats and four foam containers filled with ice, which held approximately 80 dead cats. An additional 21 live cats were found at a separate location. The Ho Chi Minh City Criminal Police Division reported that more than 500 cats were seized, marking one of the largest animal welfare cases in recent years.
The suspects confessed to capturing and collecting cats from Ho Chi Minh City and other nearby areas like Tay Ninh and An Giang over the past three years. Millions of animals fall prey to thieves in Vietnam, who often snatch pets from families or off the streets for slaughter, Kukreja stated.
Chris Gindelhumer from the nonprofit Vietnam Cat Welfare, involved in caring for the rescued cats, noted the emotional toll of the situation, saying, "I saw quite a lot of tears in the last few days. It’s really beautiful to see how many Vietnamese families are coming to look for their cats, 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 rescued cats. In Vietnam, the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal, but vendors are required to have permits verifying the animals' origins. Cities like Hoi An are collaborating with global animal welfare groups to curtail the consumption of these animals.
Following the recent ban on dog meat in South Korea in 2024, Vietnamese officials have indicated plans to reform parts of the legal system to enhance protections for pets and their owners. An Pham, a master's student and cat enthusiast in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked that the event has raised significant awareness about the need to halt cat meat consumption.