Major Cat Meat Crime Ring Busted in Vietnam

Police in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, have seized over 400 cats in a significant operation targeting a cat meat crime ring. Animal welfare groups and local media have reported on the operation. More than 40 cats were returned to their owners, but several of the rescued animals did not survive due to the poor conditions in which they were found.

Karanvir Kukreja, leading a campaign against dog and cat meat consumption for the international nonprofit Humane World for Animals, called the operation a “sobering reminder of the enormous scale of Vietnam’s cat meat trade.”

The investigation began last week following numerous pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City. It led police to the crime ring and resulted in the detention of nine individuals. Criminal Police Division officers discovered 45 cages containing around 400 live cats and four foam containers with ice holding about 80 dead cats. An additional 21 live cats were found in a different location.

This operation has been reported as one of the largest cat welfare cases in Vietnam in recent years. Phuong Pham, the country director of the Humane World for Animals in Vietnam, revealed that the suspects admitted to trapping and collecting cats in Ho Chi Minh City and the cities of Tay Ninh and An Giang over the past three years. “Thousands of cats every month are being stolen, trafficked, and slaughtered for meat across the country,” she stated. “Thankfully, these survivors escaped.” She also mentioned that some rescued cats were pregnant, leading to kittens being born while in police care.

Chris Gindelhumer with Vietnam Cat Welfare has been assisting in the care of the rescued animals. He shared that there has been a mixture of emotions over the past few days. “It’s really beautiful to see how many Vietnamese families are coming, looking for their cats,” he said. “But it’s also heartbreaking because many families were looking for their cats and didn’t find them.”

Numerous veterinarians and volunteers are diligently working to care for the cats. Although consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, vendors need permits to confirm the animals’ origins. Some cities, such as Hoi An, are partnering with global animal welfare groups to end the consumption of dog and cat meat.

Shortly after South Korea announced a 2024 ban on dog meat, Vietnamese officials indicated plans to revise parts of the legal system. The aim is to offer better protection for pets and the rights of their owners. An Pham, a master’s degree student and cat lover in Ho Chi Minh City, noted, “This event surprised a lot of people and has raised awareness among many to stop consuming cat meat.”