Vietnam Busts Cat Meat Crime Ring in Major Operation

Police in Vietnam conducted a significant operation in Ho Chi Minh City, seizing over 400 cats involved in a cat meat crime ring, according to animal welfare groups and local media reports. This coordinated effort led to 40 rescued cats being reunited with their owners, though many unfortunately perished due to the poor conditions they were found in.

Karanvir Kukreja, who campaigns against dog and cat meat consumption at the international nonprofit Humane World for Animals, described the operation as “a sobering reminder” of the vast scale of the cat meat trade in Vietnam.

Police followed an investigation related to a series of pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City, resulting in the detainment of nine individuals linked to the crime ring. Officers uncovered 45 cages with around 400 live cats and multiple foam containers with about 80 dead cats. An additional 21 live cats were found at a different location.

This seizure, totaling over 500 cats, marks one of Vietnam’s largest cat welfare cases in recent years. The involved suspects confessed to trapping and collecting cats over the past three years from locations such as Tay Ninh and An Giang.

Phuong Pham, country director for the Humane World for Animals in Vietnam, highlighted the troubling nature of the trade, stating, “thousands of cats each month are being stolen, trafficked, and slaughtered for meat nationwide.” However, the rescue operation ensured some cats survived.

Many pregnant cats were among the rescued, with new kittens born this week in police custody. Chris Gindelhumer from Vietnam Cat Welfare, assisting with the care of the cats, remarked on the emotional experience, observing the relief and heartache of families searching for their lost pets.

Although consuming dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam with certain permits, locations like Hoi An, in collaboration with global animal welfare organizations, are pushing to end this practice.

The crackdown comes shortly after South Korea’s decision to ban dog meat in 2024. Vietnamese government officials announced intentions to enhance legal protections for pets and their owners, promoting greater awareness and change in public consumption habits.

An Pham, a master’s student and cat enthusiast in Ho Chi Minh City, noted the operation’s impact, saying that it surprised many and encouraged a shift away from consuming cat meat.