In a significant operation, police in Vietnam have confiscated more than 400 cats from a cat meat crime ring in Ho Chi Minh City. This bust involved collaboration with animal welfare groups and was reported by local media.
More than 40 of the rescued cats found their way back to their owners after the operation that spanned several days last week. Unfortunately, many did not survive due to the poor conditions they were held in, according to the welfare organizations.
Large Scale Operation Reveals Vietnam’s Cat Meat Trade
Karanvir Kukreja, who spearheads a campaign against dog and cat meat consumption for the international nonprofit Humane World for Animals, highlighted the grim reality of Vietnam’s cat meat trade. The scope of the operation serves as a stark reminder of the trade’s vastness.
Prompted by a rise in pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City, local police launched an investigation. It led them to the crime ring and resulted in nine arrests. According to reports, officers found 45 cages with around 400 live cats. Additionally, they discovered four containers, filled with ice, housing about 80 deceased cats, and rescued 21 live cats from a separate site.
This seizure, involving over 500 cats in total, marks one of the largest cat welfare cases in Vietnam in recent history. Humane World for Animals in Vietnam country director, Phuong Pham, said that cats are continuously stolen, trafficked, and slaughtered for meat across the nation.
Rescue Efforts and Legal Changes
Some of the rescued cats were pregnant, and kittens were born while in police custody, Pham added. Chris Gindelhumer of Vietnam Cat Welfare, who assists in caring for the rescued animals, noted that many local families are involved in reuniting with their pets. The emotional toll is evident, with moments of both joy and heartache as families search for their lost cats.
Veterinarians and volunteers are making tireless efforts to care for the rescued cats. Consumption of dog and cat meat is still permitted in Vietnam, contingent upon vendors holding the necessary permits for the animals’ origin. Some Vietnamese cities, like Hoi An, are contemplating a halt on the practice by partnering with global animal welfare groups.
Vietnam is considering legal reforms akin to South Korea’s forthcoming dog meat ban, scheduled for 2024. The government aims to enhance protections for pets and their owners. An Pham, a graduate student and devoted cat enthusiast in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked on the heightened awareness generated by the recent events, encouraging many to reconsider consuming cat meat.
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