Hundreds of Cats Rescued from Meat Trade in Vietnam
Wednesday, 2026/06/24170 words3 minutes855 reads
More than 400 cats have been rescued in Vietnam after police broke up a criminal group that stole pets. Nine people were arrested for stealing and collecting cats to sell for meat.
Police found over 400 live cats and around 80 dead animals during raids in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City. The suspects admitted they had been trapping cats across southern Vietnam for three years. They kept the stolen cats in holding facilities before selling them to traders every few days.
Eating cat and dog meat is legal in Vietnam, but sellers need permits showing where the animals came from. Police began investigating after many pet owners reported their cats missing in Ho Chi Minh City.
About 40 cats have been reunited with their owners. An animal welfare organization called Humane World for Animals is providing food and supplies for the remaining cats. They praised the police action but said some cats died from their terrible experience. Police are asking residents to help identify more stolen pets.
