Police in Vietnam Rescue Over 400 Cats from Animal Theft Ring

Police in Vietnam have conducted a major operation against a feline meat crime ring in Ho Chi Minh City, resulting in the seizure of over 400 stolen cats. According to local media and animal welfare groups, more than 40 of the rescued cats were reunited with their owners, while several dozen died due to poor conditions.

The investigation, which began as a response to a spate of pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City, led police to detain nine individuals suspected of involvement in the cat meat trade. Authorities discovered 45 cages containing approximately 400 live cats and four containers holding about 80 dead cats.

The suspects admitted to trapping and collecting cats across southern Vietnam over the past three years. Animal welfare groups have expressed concern about the scale of the country’s cat meat trade, with millions of animals falling victim to thieves each year.

Rescued cats are being cared for by veterinarians and volunteers, who report seeing an outpouring of support from Vietnamese families searching for their lost pets. However, many families were unable to locate their missing cats.

The operation highlights the need for improved animal welfare protections in Vietnam, where consumption of dog and cat meat is legal with permits required. Some cities are working with international organizations to combat this practice, while government officials have announced plans to reform the legal system to better protect pets and their owners.

Source: Al Jazeera