Hundreds of cats stolen for food in Vietnam rescued from slaughter as police bust theft ring

More than 400 cats destined for slaughter have been rescued by police in Vietnam after authorities dismantled an alleged animal theft ring.

It is understood that nine people have been arrested in connection with what police described as a “criminal group specialising in stealing and collecting cats”, as reported by the official newspaper of the Ho Chi Minh City police.

While more than 400 live cats were recovered, officers also found around 80 dead animals that had been preserved on ice during raids in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City last week.

Around 40 of the stolen cats are believed to have been reunited with their owners so far.

The consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, but vendors legally require permits that show the origin of the animals they are serving.

Officials said they had worked to track down the group after investigating a spate of pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City.

The suspects admitted trapping and collecting cats across southern Vietnam over the past three years, police said. According to investigators, the suspects allegedly transported stolen cats to holding facilities before selling them on to traders.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and are urging residents who believe their pets have been stolen to come forward.

Animal rights group Humane World for Animals says its providing food and other supplies for animals still being held by the police as evidence while the case continues.

The group also praised the police for its efforts but went on to say more continues to be needed to be done.

Phuong Pham, Humane World for Animals Viet Nam country director, said: “The sad truth about this trade is that thousands of cats every month are being stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat across the country, and the fate of most is to end up at a slaughterhouse or restaurant to be killed and eaten.

“Thankfully these survivors escaped that fate but this large seizure and the swift actions of the police are a welcome step in the crackdown that is badly needed on this trade.”

Mr Pham went on to describe the condition of some of the animals brought into their care.

“Many of the cats looked thin and weak, and it was clear to see they had been through a physical and mental ordeal from which now thankfully they have a chance to recover,” he said.

“There were several pregnant cats and also tiny kittens who had been born overnight in police custody.”

The group estimates that five million dogs and one million cats are captured, stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat in Vietnam each year.