Vietnam Police Bust Cat Meat Theft Ring
Police in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam seized over 500 cats. The bust targeted a cat meat theft ring.
Officers found 45 cages holding about 400 live cats. They also found roughly 80 dead cats stored in ice-filled containers.
Nine people were arrested in connection with the operation. The suspects admitted to trapping cats across southern Vietnam for three years.
They operated across Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh and An Giang. The operation started after a wave of pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City.
More than 40 rescued cats were returned to their owners. About 100 cats died due to harsh conditions before the rescue.
Eating dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam. But sellers must hold permits proving where the animals came from. The crime centred on theft and unlicensed trade rather than the meat trade itself.
Key Terms 2
- Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam's largest city, located in the south of the country
- unlicensed trade Selling goods without the required legal permit from authorities