More than 400 cats stolen from homes and communities across southern Vietnam have been rescued after police dismantled what authorities described as a major criminal network involved in the theft and trafficking of pets for the cat meat trade.
According to reports by the BBC, AFP and Vietnamese authorities, police arrested nine suspects following an investigation into a surge of pet thefts in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Officers recovered more than 400 live cats, 80 dead cats preserved on ice and a further 21 live cats at a separate facility during coordinated raids conducted last week.
The operation has been hailed by animal welfare organisations as one of the largest cat rescue missions ever carried out in Vietnam.
Police said the suspects allegedly operated across several provinces in southern Vietnam for approximately three years, trapping and collecting cats before transporting them to holding facilities and eventually selling them to meat traders. Transactions reportedly took place every two to three days.
International animal welfare organisation Humane World for Animals confirmed that more than 40 rescued cats have already been reunited with their owners. However, the organisation said some animals later died due to the harsh conditions they endured while being held by the traffickers.
The group praised Vietnamese authorities for taking decisive action against the network.
“This operation is a sobering reminder of the enormous scale of Vietnam’s cat meat trade,” said Karanvir Kukreja, who leads Humane World for Animals’ campaign against the dog and cat meat trade. The organisation has since supplied food and other necessities for cats that remain in police custody as evidence while criminal proceedings continue.
The case has once again drawn international attention to Vietnam’s controversial dog and cat meat industry. While the consumption of dog and cat meat remains legal in Vietnam, traders are required to possess documentation proving the origin of the animals they sell. Authorities have not indicated whether the suspects had any such permits.
Animal welfare groups estimate that approximately five million dogs and one million cats are captured, stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat in Vietnam every year. Many of the animals are believed to be family pets stolen directly from homes or streets before entering the meat supply chain. Campaigners argue that the trade raises significant animal welfare concerns and creates risks for the spread of diseases.
Despite the industry’s continued existence, surveys suggest public attitudes are changing. Humane World for Animals reported that younger Vietnamese citizens and pet owners are increasingly opposed to the consumption of dogs and cats, with growing support for banning both trades altogether.
The latest rescue operation has generated widespread discussion on social media and among animal welfare advocates, many of whom have praised police for acting against organised pet theft networks.
Vietnamese authorities have urged residents whose pets may have gone missing to come forward to assist investigators and help identify recovered animals. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue gathering evidence against the suspects.
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