Published on
16/06/2026 - 10:49 GMT+2
Vietnamese police have broken up a criminal network accused of stealing cats across the south of the country over a three-year period, with animals recovered destined for slaughter and sale as meat.
Nine suspects were detained last week on suspicion of involvement in what authorities described as a group "specialising in stealing and collecting cats", according to the Ho Chi Minh City police's official newspaper. Officers recovered more than 400 live animals alongside 80 already dead and stored on ice, as well as a further 21 cats seized from a separate location.
The operation was launched in response to a surge in pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City. Suspects reportedly admitted to luring and trapping cats at various locations across southern Vietnam.
While the consumption of cats and dogs is permitted under Vietnamese law, with many restaurants openly listing such dishes, traders are legally required to hold certificates proving the animals' provenance. It remains unclear whether the alleged ring held such documentation.
International animal welfare organisation Humane World for Animals confirmed that at least 40 of the recovered cats had been reunited with their owners as of Tuesday, praising police for "decisive action that has saved the lives of so many animals". However, it noted that around 100 of those rescued had since died as a result of their ordeal.
The group said its immediate priority was the welfare of the animals still being held at the police station as evidence during the ongoing prosecution.
"While efforts are continuing to reunite stolen cats with their families, our main concern is for the cats who remain at the police station as evidence during the prosecution," said Karanvir Kukreja of Humane World for Animals.
The organisation said it had supplied food for the animals and was arranging delivery of fans to prevent them from overheating in custody.
Ho Chi Minh City police had not responded to media requests for comment at the time of publication.
Read the full article at Euronews →📄Source document: Humane World for Animals
2 reports
EuronewsIndependentCenter4 days agoVietnamese police rescued over 500 cats from a trafficking ring in Ho Chi Minh City, including both live and deceased animals. The operation followed an investigation into pet thefts and uncovered multiple sites where cats were being held in cages. Animal welfare organizations reported that some rescued cats were reunited with their owners but several died due to poor conditions. Nine individuals were arrested, and campaigners highlighted the significance of the raid in addressing the cat meat trade.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a rescue operation involving animal welfare without taking a political stance. It provides factual details about the event, mentions the involvement of authorities and animal rights groups, and does not exhibit biased language or selective sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government Vietnamese police
- organisation Humane World for Animals
EuronewsIndependentCenter5 days ago Hundreds of cats destined for slaughter rescued in Vietnam as police dismantle theft ringVietnamese police dismantled a criminal network suspected of stealing cats across southern Vietnam over a three-year period. The operation resulted in the recovery of more than 400 live cats, 80 dead cats stored on ice, and an additional 21 cats from another location. Authorities stated the group specialized in stealing and collecting cats. While cat and dog consumption is legal in Vietnam, traders must possess certificates verifying the animals' origins. It is unknown if the suspects had these documents. Animal welfare organization Humane World for Animals reported that at least 40 cats were
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a law enforcement operation targeting a cat theft ring without taking a stance on the legality of eating cats or the broader cultural practices surrounding animal consumption. The language is neutral, focusing on facts such as the number of cats recovered, the nature of the犯罪,
Official sources cited
- government Ho Chi Minh City police's official newspaper
- organisation Humane World for Animals
European Union