Many of the rescued cats are now in the care of the police.Image: Humane World for Animals
They stole cats, slaughtered them and resold the meat: A criminal network was busted in Vietnam after a suspicious increase in theft of pets in Ho Chi Minh City. Nine suspects are in custody.
June 17, 2026, 10:27 amJune 17, 2026, 10:27 am
The suspects are said to have stolen cats in southern Vietnam over a period of three years. They should then be slaughtered and their meat sold on. When the police intervened last week, they confiscated 400 live cats and found 80 dead animals stored on ice. According to media reports, even more cats were found during further searches.
The investigation was initiated after a large number of cats disappeared in Ho Chi Minh City. According to the organization Humane World for Animals, this is one of the biggest strikes against the illegal cat meat trade in Vietnam.
The nine arrested suspects are said to belong to a network and have admitted to catching cats. The animals were then taken to collection points from where they were sold to dealers.
First cats back home, others died after liberation
Around 40 of the rescued cats have now been returned to their owners, writes the animal welfare organization. 260 others are still in the care of the police, including kittens and pregnant animals. They are intended to be used as evidence in the case or have not yet been identified. The organization helped combat the heat with cat food and fans.
According to media reports, around 100 of the rescued animals have now died as a result of the strain. The animal welfare organization reports that many animals appeared emaciated and weak.
The animals appeared emaciated.Image: Humane World for Animals
Police urged cat owners who are missing their pets to come by so the rescued animals can be identified, reports BBC. The investigation into the case is still ongoing.
Cat and dog meat is becoming increasingly unpopular among the population
The strike against the network is a signal against the cat meat trade in Vietnam. Thousands of cats are stolen every month. They later ended up in slaughterhouses or restaurants and were then eaten.
Although the consumption of cat meat is permitted in Vietnam, it is also offered in restaurants. However, meat traders need certain certificates and must prove the origin of the animals. In addition, resistance to the consumption of cat and dog meat is growing among the population, as Four Paws reports. (front)