Vietnam Cracks Down on Massive Cat Meat Ring with Over 400 Cats Rescued

Police in Vietnam conducted a significant raid on a cat meat ring in Ho Chi Minh City, seizing more than 400 cats, as reported by animal welfare groups and local media.

During the operation, which spanned several days, over 40 rescued cats were reunited with their owners. Unfortunately, many succumbed to the harsh conditions they faced. Karanvir Kukreja from the nonprofit Humane World for Animals highlighted the vast scope of Vietnam’s cat meat trade in a statement.

Local investigations into recent pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City led authorities to the cat meat ring. Nine individuals were detained. Police found 45 cages with around 400 live cats and four containers with 80 deceased cats. An additional 21 live cats were found at a separate location. More than 500 cats in total were rescued, marking one of Vietnam’s largest cat-related welfare cases in recent history.

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

The suspects reportedly admitted to capturing cats over the past three years. Pham also mentioned several rescued cats were pregnant, with kittens being born in custody.

Chris Gindelhumer from Vietnam Cat Welfare is aiding in caring for the animals. He described the emotional reunions and the heartbreak of unclaimed pets, noting, “I saw quite a lot of tears in the last few days.”

Veterinarians and volunteers are providing continual care for the rescued cats.

While legal, dog and cat meat consumption in Vietnam requires vendors to have permits. Some cities, including Hoi An, are working with global animal welfare organizations to curb this practice. Following South Korea’s upcoming ban on dog meat in 2024, Vietnamese officials have indicated plans to enhance legal protections for pets and their owners.

According to An Pham, a cat enthusiast and graduate student, the event has prompted many to reconsider cat meat consumption.