Nine arrested, 400 cats saved: Vietnam police crack down on pet theft network selling animals for meat

More than 40 abducted cats have been reunited with their owners after Vietnam police busted a feline theft ring and rescued 400 pets destined to be slaughtered for food, an animal rights group said Tuesday.Nine people were arrested last week in connection with the "criminal group specialising in stealing and collecting cats," according to the official newspaper of the Ho Chi Minh City police.Authorities recovered more than 400 live cats and 80 dead ones preserved on ice, the newspaper said. Police seized another 21 cats from a separate facility. The suspects confessed to luring and trapping cats over three years across southern Vietnam.A young woman in Ho Chi Minh City was reunited with both of her stolen cats after police rescued the animals. "I was truly surprised. I never imagined I would find both of my cats at the same time. I would like to thank Ho Chi Minh City police for giving me the chance to see them again," Quach Thi Lan Anh said.Dozens of pet owners arrived at police headquarters throughout the day to search for missing animals. A veterinary worker who came hoping to find his cat stayed to help officers care for the rescued animals after failing to locate his pet.

Not everyone was successful. Tuan Minh, whose British Shorthair cat disappeared about two weeks ago, was unable to find his pet. "I have been very upset since my cat went missing. I just hope it was rescued somewhere and is still alive," he said.Veterinary staff discovered two newborn kittens inside one of the cages. One had already died, while the other was in critical condition. The surviving kitten received emergency care and was fed milk to keep it alive.Humane World for Animals said about 100 of the rescued cats "later perished due to what they have endured." The organisation donated food and arranged delivery of fans to keep the pets from overheating."While efforts are continuing to reunite stolen cats with their families, our main concern is for the cats who remain at the police station as evidence during the prosecution," said Karanvir Kukreja of Humane World for Animals.Consumption of dogs and cats is legal in Vietnam, where many restaurants openly advertise the meat. However, vendors are required to obtain certificates showing the origin of the animals.Police said they swooped on the gang after responding to rampant pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City. Investigators said the suspects trapped or stole cats, kept them in cages until enough animals were collected, and then sold them for about VND 70,000 per kilogramme.

Transactions reportedly took place every two to three days.The animals were later transported to a parking facility in Tay Ninh Province for further distribution.Each year, over six million dogs and cats are killed for their meat in Vietnam. Most of these animals are stolen pets or community and stray animals captured from the streets. In a 2021 survey by FOUR PAWS, 91% of respondents said the trade should be banned or discouraged.The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue identifying owners and determining the roles of those involved in the operation.Based on inputs from AFP