Police Arrest Nine and Seize Over 400 Cats in Vietnam Theft Investigation

Police arrested nine people and recovered more than 400 live cats plus around 80 dead cats preserved on ice during raids on sites in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City last week. A further 21 cats were seized at a separate facility. Officers described the group as a criminal organisation specialising in stealing and collecting cats.

The suspects admitted trapping and collecting cats across southern Vietnam over the past three years. Investigators said the group transported stolen cats to holding facilities before selling them to traders every two to three days. Police tracked the suspects on 11 June after investigating pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City.

More than 40 of the rescued cats have been reunited with their owners. A number of the animals later died as a result of their ordeal, according to Humane World for Animals. The organisation is providing food and other supplies for cats still held by police as evidence.

Consumption of dog and cat meat remains legal in Vietnam, though vendors must hold permits showing the animals' origin. An estimated five million dogs and one million cats are captured, stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat in the country each year, Humane World for Animals stated. The investigation remains ongoing.

Police have urged residents who believe their pets were stolen to come forward to help identify recovered animals.