Police in Ho Chi Minh City dismantle illegal cat meat network and rescue over 400 animals

Return to owners

More than 40 of the rescued animals have already been returned to their owners following the operation, the animal welfare organization Humane World for Animals stated. The identification of the remaining cats and the assignment to their keepers is ongoing. The condition of individual animals is also being examined by veterinarians.

In addition to the roughly 400 live animals, 80 dead and deep-frozen cats were also seized, it was further stated. These will be preserved as evidence in the ongoing investigation. The analysis of the evidence is intended to provide insight into the scope and structure of the network.

Arrests and investigations

According to the animal welfare organization, police arrested nine suspects. Details about their role within the network and possible links to other cases were not initially released. The investigations are ongoing, authorities said.

Animal welfare organizations have pointed out repeatedly in recent years that domestic cats have been stolen in Ho Chi Minh City and other Vietnamese cities. Dog and cat meat repeatedly appears in reports from the region about the illegal wildlife and pet trade. International organizations have criticized the practices for years as being contrary to animal welfare and a health risk.

Background: Trade in cat meat

Humane World for Animals praised the police operation and at the same time called for more consistent prosecution of the illegal meat trade. The organization announced that it would participate in the care and placement of the seized animals. In cooperation with local animal shelters, the medical care of the animals is to be ensured.

The authorities announced that they would expand the investigations. It will be examined whether the network was active beyond Ho Chi Minh City. Police also called on citizens to report missing domestic cats in order to facilitate their return. Tips from the public will be evaluated in the coming days.