Full Breakdown
Vietnam Police Dismantle Cat Theft Ring, Rescue Over 400 Cats Destined for Slaughter
6/18/2026, 12:25:35 AM
Police Rescue of Over 400 Cats
In June 2024, Ho Chi Minh City police raided sites in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City, seizing more than 400 live cats, about 80 dead cats on ice, and 21 additional cats. Nine suspects were arrested for operating a three-year cat-theft network.
Legal Context, Scale, Statistics, and Criticism
Vietnam permits dog and cat meat when vendors hold origin permits. Humane World for Animals estimates five million dogs and one million cats are captured annually for meat, and a 2023 survey shows rising opposition, especially among youth. Animal-rights groups condemn the trade; Phuong Pham, Vietnam director of Humane World for Animals, called it a “sad truth” with thousands of cats stolen each month. The raid recovered 400+ live cats, about 80 dead cats on ice, and 21 more elsewhere; roughly 40 have been reunited with owners while about 100 rescued cats have died.
Official Statements & Responses
Ho Chi Minh City police said the raids followed a surge in pet thefts and urged residents to report missing pets, noting the case remains open. Humane World for Animals praised the police, supplied food and supplies to the cats held as evidence, and stressed the need to reunite families.
On-the-Ground Observations and Conflicting Reports
Volunteers said many rescued cats were thin, weak, and visibly traumatized; several pregnant cats and newborn kittens were also found in police custody. Humane World for Animals reported about 100 rescued cats have died, while other sources mention only “a number” or “some” cats died, leaving the exact mortality unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- "decisive action that has saved the lives of so many animals." — Humane World for Animals
- "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," — Karanvir Kukreja, Humane World for Animals
- "The sad truth about this trade is that thousands of cats every month are being stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat across the country, and the fate of most is to end up at a slaughterhouse or restaurant to be killed and eaten." — Phuong Pham, Humane World for Animals Vietnam country director
- "Many of the cats looked thin and weak, and it was clear to see they had been through a physical and mental ordeal from which now thankfully they have a chance to recover," — Police spokesperson
What’s Next
Police say the investigation continues and ask the public to report further pet thefts. Humane World for Animals will keep providing food, water and fans to cats held as evidence while legal proceedings against the nine suspects proceed.