Vietnam Arrests 12 for Cat Theft
Men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats for food, police say. The cats were taken from residential neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City at night.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats during night raids into residential neighborhoods, taking the pets to be slaughtered for food, police said. The men allegedly operated in small groups, traveling by motorbike to look for cats between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Police confiscated fur removal machines, cat traps, and measuring scales during investigations into the alleged cat-stealing ring in Ho Chi Minh City. The suspects admitted to stealing and trafficking approximately 2,700 cats of various types, police said in a statement.
Each team was estimated to have stolen between four and 10 cats per night, according to police. The men reportedly used pieces of fish as bait, placing traps outside houses where they knew cats were kept.
Thirteen of the rescued felines have since been returned to their owners, while the remaining are being kept at an animal welfare centre. The consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, but vendors require permits that show the origin of the animals.
Phuong Tham, Humane World for Animals Viet Nam country director, said thousands of cats every month are being stolen, trafficked, and slaughtered for meat across the country. A 2023 survey found growing public opposition to the consumption and trade of cat meat, with 71% backing a ban.
In June, more than 400 cats destined for slaughter were rescued after authorities dismantled another alleged feline theft ring. Police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested 18 people earlier this year accused of being part of two separate cat-stealing rings.
The 12 suspects were brought in for questioning and confessed to stealing around 2,700 cats, police said. Luu Thanh Binh, the alleged ringleader, also admitted to buying some of the cats from independent vendors.
Key facts
- 12 men arrested for stealing nearly 2,700 cats
- Cats were stolen from residential neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City at night
- Men allegedly operated in small groups, using fish as bait
- 13 rescued cats have been returned to their owners
Three perspectives
Neutral
The arrests highlight the issue of cat theft in Vietnam, where the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal. The case will likely spark further debate about the trade. Authorities will continue to investigate and prosecute those involved in cat theft rings.
Positive
The rescue of the cats and the arrest of the suspects is a positive step towards combating cat theft in Vietnam. The growing public opposition to the consumption and trade of cat meat is also a constructive development. Animal welfare organizations will likely continue to work with authorities to prevent cat theft.
Negative
The scale of the cat theft ring is alarming, with nearly 2,700 cats stolen. The fact that the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam has contributed to the problem. The case highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent cat theft and the trade of cat meat.
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