A suspected cat theft network in Vietnam has been dismantled after police arrested 12 people accused of stealing and selling about 2,700 cats. The suspects allegedly operated at night, trapping pets from residential neighbourhoods before supplying them to the meat trade.
Highlights
- 12 suspects have been detained in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Police say the group admitted to stealing about 2,700 cats.
- Investigators recovered 50 live cats and 55 traps.
- 13 rescued cats have already been reunited with their owners.
- The remaining animals are receiving care at an animal welfare centre.
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Night-Time Cat Theft Operation Uncovered
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested 12 suspects accused of running an organised operation targeting cats in residential areas.
Investigators say the suspects travelled around neighbourhoods on motorcycles during the night, with some groups reportedly operating between 11pm and 4am.
The groups allegedly used traps and fish as bait to capture cats kept by residents. Each team is said to have taken between four and 10 cats during a typical night.
Police Recover Cats and Trapping Equipment
The investigation led officers to a July 8 raid, where they reportedly recovered 50 cats alongside equipment believed to have been used in the operation.
Police seized 55 cat traps, two weighing scales, seven motorcycles, 13 mobile phones, bags and two machines reportedly used to remove fur.
Authorities also recovered VND6.7 million, equivalent to roughly US$257, during the operation.
According to investigators, the suspects told police they had collectively stolen and sold approximately 2,700 cats, although authorities have not established how long the alleged operation had been running.
13 Cats Reunited With Their Owners
The rescue operation has already brought relief to some pet owners.
Of the 50 cats recovered, 13 have been identified and returned to their families. The remaining animals were transferred to the HAVEPAWS social centre, where they are being cared for while authorities work to establish their ownership.
Police have also encouraged residents who recently lost their cats to contact the relevant authorities or animal welfare centre to check whether their pets were among those rescued.
Suspects Allegedly Supplied Cats for Meat
Investigators allege that the stolen animals were gathered and resold as part of the cat meat trade.
Police identified Luu Thanh Binh, 39, as the alleged coordinator of the network. Authorities say he bought stolen cats, kept them at a storage location and supplied trapping equipment to people involved in the thefts.
The 12 suspects are being investigated for alleged property theft.
Cat Meat Trade Faces Growing Opposition
The case has also renewed attention on Vietnam’s dog and cat meat trade.
Humane World for Animals estimates that about five million dogs and one million cats are captured, stolen or trafficked for meat in Vietnam each year. The organisation says stolen pets make up a significant part of the trade.
A 2023 survey commissioned by the organisation found that 71% of respondents supported banning the consumption and trade of cat meat, suggesting opposition is particularly strong among sections of the population as pet ownership grows.
More Cats Rescued in Separate Operation
The latest arrests come after another major operation in June, when authorities rescued more than 400 live cats believed to have been destined for slaughter.
The repeated cases have highlighted concerns around pet theft and the trafficking of animals for meat, while also showing the growing role of animal welfare groups in helping reunite rescued pets with their owners.
For many families, the case is a reminder that a missing pet can sometimes be part of a much wider criminal network.
For pet owners, the case is a sobering reminder that behind every missing animal may be a story worth investigating and sometimes, a much bigger network hiding in plain sight.
