Twelve men have been arrested in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, following allegations that they were involved in a large-scale operation stealing and selling cats. Police say the suspects admitted to taking around 2,700 cats, many of which were allegedly destined for slaughter for meat. The arrests have highlighted concerns about the theft of companion animals and the wider trade in dog and cat meat in the region.
According to reports from Ho Chi Minh City police, the suspects allegedly operated at night, travelling around residential neighbourhoods on motorbikes. They are accused of working in small groups and targeting cats that were kept in or around people’s homes.
Police allege that fish was used as bait to attract cats into traps. Each group reportedly captured between four and ten cats during a night of activity. The animals were then allegedly collected and transported for sale.
During an operation on 8 July, authorities reportedly seized 50 live cats. Officers also recovered 55 cat traps, two weighing scales, 14 bags, seven motorbikes, 13 mobile phones and two machines reportedly used for removing fur. Police also seized 6.7 million Vietnamese dong, reported to be worth approximately £195 at the time.
Of the 50 cats rescued during the operation, 13 have reportedly been reunited with their owners. The remaining cats were taken to the HavePaws animal welfare centre, where they could receive care and protection.
The reported figure of approximately 2,700 cats is particularly disturbing because these were allegedly not simply animals being traded by their owners. Police say many were stolen pets taken from residential areas. For cat owners, the possibility that their companion animal could be deliberately trapped and removed from outside their home is understandably frightening.
The case also raises wider questions about the protection of cats in countries where cat meat remains part of the food trade. The consumption of cat meat is legal in Vietnam, although vendors are required to have permits showing the origin of the animals. Animal protection organisations have continued to campaign against the capture, trafficking and slaughter of cats and dogs for meat.
Humane World for Animals estimates that around one million cats are captured, stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat in Vietnam each year. The organisation has also reported changing attitudes towards the practice. A 2023 survey commissioned by the organisation found that 71% of respondents supported banning the consumption and trade of cat meat.
This latest investigation is not the only recent case involving cats allegedly destined for slaughter. More than 400 cats were reportedly rescued in Vietnam in June after authorities dismantled another suspected cat-theft operation.
The arrests demonstrate the importance of tackling animal theft, trafficking and illegal or unregulated movement of animals. Cats are increasingly regarded as family companions, and losing one through theft can cause enormous distress to owners.
The twelve men have been arrested over the allegations, but an arrest does not itself establish guilt. Further investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings will determine what offences, if any, can be proven.
For cat lovers around the world, the case is another reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable animals and supporting organisations working to rescue and reunite stolen or trafficked cats with their families.
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