Full Breakdown
Police Bust Large Cat-Stealing Ring in Ho Chi Minh City
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 5 2026, Vietnamese police announced the arrest of twelve men accused of stealing approximately 2,700 cats from residential neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City. The suspects allegedly operated in small motorbike groups between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., using fish bait and traps to capture cats, which were then taken to be slaughtered for meat. Criminal proceedings began on October 4 2026, though the exact detention dates were not disclosed.
Background & Context
The consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, and many restaurants openly list such dishes on their menus. Vendors must obtain certificates proving the animals’ origin, a requirement intended to regulate the trade. Earlier in 2026, police had dismantled two separate cat-stealing rings, arresting eighteen individuals. In July, authorities seized 50 live cats, 55 traps, two fur-removal machines, scales and other equipment, indicating an ongoing illicit market.
Data & Statistics
- Estimated total cats stolen in the latest ring: ? 2,700.
- Each team reportedly took four to ten cats per night.
- Seized items (July 8): 50 cats, 55 traps, 2 fur-removal machines, 2 weighing scales, 13 mobile phones, 7 motorbikes, 14 bags, and 6.7 million dong (? $257).
- Humane World for Animals estimates that Vietnam’s illegal trade captures about five million dogs and one million cats annually.
Official Statements & Responses
Police and state media confirmed the arrests and the confiscated equipment, emphasizing that the operation targeted property theft and illegal trafficking. Phuong Tham, country director of Humane World for Animals Vietnam, described the scale of the trade as “thousands of cats every month” being stolen, trafficked and slaughtered, noting that most end up in slaughterhouses or restaurants. The animal-welfare centre HavePaws is currently holding the remaining seized cats, while thirteen have been returned to their owners.
Why It Matters
The bust highlights enforcement challenges in Vietnam’s legal but regulated cat-meat industry. While the law permits consumption, the illegal procurement of pets raises animal-welfare concerns and underscores the need for stricter monitoring of animal origins. The case also follows earlier police actions, suggesting a broader governmental effort to curb unlicensed trafficking within the country’s meat market.