Police in Vietnam recently uncovered a significant cat meat crime ring in Ho Chi Minh City. This operation, backed by animal welfare organizations and local media, resulted in the seizure of over 400 cats.

More than 40 of these rescued cats were reunited with their owners. However, harsh conditions led to the death of dozens. This event highlights the vast scale of Vietnam’s cat meat trade, according to Karanvir Kukreja of the Humane World for Animals.

An investigation into recent pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City led police to the ring. They detained nine individuals. Officers found 45 cages with roughly 400 living cats and four foam containers with about 80 deceased cats. An additional 21 cats were recovered elsewhere, according to The Ho Chi Minh City Criminal Police Division.

Local media reports this as one of the largest cat welfare cases in Vietnam in recent years. The suspects confessed to trapping and collecting cats in regions like Tay Ninh and An Giang over three years.

“The sad truth about this trade is that thousands of cats every month are being stolen, trafficked, and slaughtered for meat across the country,” said Phuong Pham, Humane World for Animals’ director in Vietnam. “Thankfully, these survivors escaped.”

Some of the rescued cats were pregnant, leading to births in police care.

Chris Gindelhumer from Vietnam Cat Welfare is aiding in caring for these animals. He noted the emotional toll and the dedication of Vietnamese families searching for their missing cats.

Veterinarians and volunteers are working tirelessly to care for the rescued cats, Gindelhumer added. While cat and dog meat consumption is legal in Vietnam, vendors need permits to verify the animals’ origins. Cities like Hoi An collaborate with global animal organizations to halt such practices.

Following South Korea’s 2024 dog meat ban, Vietnamese officials are considering legal updates to protect pets and pet owners’ rights.

An Pham, a master’s student and cat enthusiast, remarked that this event has surprised many and urged them to reconsider consuming cat meat.