As Vietnam grapples with a burgeoning trade in exotic meats, an alleged cat theft ring has been dismantled by authorities, rescuing over 400 felines destined for the dinner plate. The sophisticated network, which operated across southern Vietnam for at least three years, was brought to its knees last week when police conducted raids in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City, recovering more than 400 live cats and approximately 80 deceased animals preserved on ice.
According to local reports, the suspects – nine individuals arrested by Vietnamese police – admitted to trapping and gathering cats, transporting them to holding facilities, and then selling them to traders every two to three days. While consuming cat meat is legal in Vietnam, vendors are required to possess permits demonstrating the animals' origin, a regulation often flouted by illicit operations.
Humane World for Animals, an animal welfare organisation, has welcomed the decisive action taken by local authorities and commended their efforts to reunite around 40 of the rescued cats with their owners. However, the group notes that some cats unfortunately died due to their ordeal. The organisation is currently providing essential supplies for the animals still held by police as evidence in the ongoing case.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the scale of animal welfare abuses in Vietnam, where an estimated one million cats and five million dogs are captured, stolen, trafficked, and slaughtered for meat each year. The use of poisoned bait, tasers, and snares to steal pets from homes is a disturbing trend that must be addressed by authorities.