Ho Chi Minh city: Twelve arrested for allegedly running cat trafficking ring in Vietnam
Police in Ho Chi Minh City say 12 men were arrested after allegedly admitting to stealing and selling roughly 2,700 cats.
Investigators allege the men worked in small motorbike groups, taking cats from residential neighbourhoods at night. Each group reportedly stole between four and 10 cats nightly.
Police released images of rescued cats. Thirteen have been reunited with their owners, according to the report.
The case comes amid widespread animal trafficking in Vietnam. Humane World for Animals estimates that five million dogs and one million cats are captured, stolen, trafficked and killed for meat each year.
Campaigners say public attitudes toward eating dog and cat meat are shifting. In June, an animal welfare group reported that authorities had rescued more than 400 cats linked to another alleged theft operation.
Key points
- Twelve men were arrested in Ho Chi Minh City over alleged cat thefts.
- Police say the suspects confessed to stealing about 2,700 cats; 13 rescued cats returned to owners.
- An animal welfare group says more than 400 cats were rescued in a separate case in June.