Police Rescue Over 400 Cats Destined for Slaughter in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh. Police in Vietnam have rescued over 400 cats being taken for slaughter for meat. According to the animal welfare organization Human World for Animals, authorities have busted an organized gang involved in cat theft.

During raids in Tay Ninh province and Ho Chi Minh City last week, police found over 400 live cats and about 80 dead cats kept in ice. An additional 21 cats were recovered from another location.

Nine people have been arrested in connection with this incident. According to the official newspaper of Ho Chi Minh City Police, the group was active as a criminal gang specializing in cat theft and collection. Although the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, traders must possess permits to verify the source of the animals. Police discovered this gang during their investigation into the increasing theft of pets in Ho Chi Minh City.

During the investigation, those arrested reportedly admitted to stealing and collecting cats from various locations in southern Vietnam for the past three years. Approximately 40 of the rescued cats have been reunited with their owners. However, some cats later died due to being kept in poor conditions for a long time before rescue.

According to animal rights activists, about 5 million dogs and 1 million cats are caught, stolen, or trafficked for meat in Vietnam every year. However, in recent years, public opinion surveys have shown an increasing number of people, especially the younger generation and pet owners, opposing the dog and cat meat trade.