Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats from residential neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City to be slaughtered for food. The suspects, who operated mainly at night, used fur removal machines, cat traps, and scales, which were confiscated during the investigation. Although consuming cats and dogs is legal in Vietnam, vendors must have certificates proving the animals’ origins. Stolen cats can fetch at least 70,000 dong ($2.70) per kilogram at restaurants. The arrests were made on charges of property theft, with the suspects admitting to stealing and trafficking the cats. Earlier this year, police dismantled other cat-stealing rings, rescuing over 400 cats, though many did not survive due to harsh conditions. This highlights the ongoing issue of the illicit cat meat trade in Vietnam, where thousands of cats are stolen and slaughtered monthly.
QUESTION: How might the illegal trade of cats for meat impact local communities and animal welfare efforts in Vietnam?
Cat-stealing ring that took 2,700 pets for food busted by police
