2,700 cats stolen for meat trade in Vietnam

According to police, the suspects worked in small groups at night, riding motorcycles around residential areas. After identifying homes where cats were kept, they used pieces of fish as bait and set traps outside the houses.

Each group reportedly stole an average of four to 10 cats a night. During a police raid on July 8, officers seized 50 cats, cat traps, fur-removal equipment, cash and other materials. During questioning, the 12 suspects allegedly admitted to stealing around 2,700 cats.

Of the rescued cats, 13 have already been returned to their owners, while the rest are being kept at an animal welfare centre.

Animal protection organisation Humane World for Animals said around five million dogs and one million cats are stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat in Vietnam every year. Eating dog and cat meat is legal in the country, and it is openly sold at some restaurants, although sellers are required to have permits showing the animals’ source.

While the practice remains more common in Vietnam than in other Asian countries, opposition to it is growing among young people and pet owners.

-AJM