Hundreds of cats destined for slaughter rescued in Vietnam as police dismantle theft ring

By Rebecca Rommen Published on 16/06/2026 - 10:49 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Vietnamese police arrested nine people and rescued more than 400 live cats destined for slaughter, reuniting dozens with their owners. Around 100 of the animals later died from their ordeal. Vietnamese police have broken up a criminal network accused of stealing cats across the south of the country over a three-year period, with animals recovered destined for slaughter and sale as meat. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Nine suspects were detained last week on suspicion of involvement in what authorities described as a group "specialising in stealing and collecting cats", according to the Ho Chi Minh City police's official newspaper. Officers recovered more than 400 live animals alongside 80 already dead and stored on ice, as well as a further 21 cats seized from a separate location. The operation was launched in response to a surge in pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City. Suspects reportedly admitted to luring and trapping cats at various locations across southern Vietnam. While the consumption of cats and dogs is permitted under Vietnamese law, with many restaurants openly listing such dishes, traders are legally required to hold certificates proving the animals' provenance. It remains unclear whether the alleged ring held such documentation. International animal welfare organisation Humane World for Animals confirmed that at least 40 of the recovered cats had been reunited with their owners as of Tuesday, praising police for "decisive action that has saved the lives of so many animals". However, it noted that around 100 of those rescued had since died as a result of their ordeal. The group said its immediate priority was the welfare of the animals still being held at the police station as evidence during the ongoing prosecution. "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," said Karanvir Kukreja of Humane World for Animals. The organisation said it had supplied food for the animals and was arranging delivery of fans to prevent them from overheating in custody. Ho Chi Minh City police had not responded to media requests for comment at the time of publication. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Cattle theft in Germany: Organised gangs target farms More than 400 animals rescued as Spain trafficking ring dismantled Hundreds of cats destined for slaughter rescued in Vietnam as police dismantle theft ring Vietnam Crime Cats