Vietnam Police Crack Down on Cat Theft Ring, Rescue 400+ Cats

More than 400 live cats, destined for slaughter, were rescued in a series of police raids in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City, after authorities targeted an alleged feline‑theft ring, a local animal‑welfare group said on Tuesday.

Police say they arrested nine people, describing the group as “a criminal group specialising in stealing and collecting cats.” The arrests followed a June 11 investigation into a series of pet thefts in the city.

During the raids officers seized over 400 live cats and about 80 dead animals preserved on ice. An additional 21 cats were confiscated at another facility linked to the network.

Consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, but vendors must hold permits that record the animals’ origin. The investigation revealed that suspects had been trapping and transporting cats throughout southern Vietnam for three years, staging sales every two to three days.

Humane World for Animals reports that roughly 40 stolen cats have been reunited with their owners. The organization praised police for their decisive action but noted that some animals died during the ordeal.

The group has been providing food and supplies for the animals still held by police as evidence, before the case proceeds to court.

At the time of the crackdown, Vietnam reportedly captures and traffics about five million dogs and one million cats for the meat trade each year.

The organization highlighted typical theft methods: poisoned bait, tasers, iron pincers for dogs and spring‑loaded snares for cats.

While dog and cat meat remains common in Vietnam, campaigners say public attitudes are shifting. A 2023 survey found that the majority of younger pet owners support bans on both the dog and cat meat trades.

Police urge residents who believe their pets have been stolen to come forward, assisting in identifying recovered animals. The investigation remains ongoing.