World · India Bureau
Vietnam police arrest 12 over theft of 2,700 cats destined for meat
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested a dozen suspects in connection with the large-scale theft of thousands of cats believed intended for the meat trade. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare in Vietnam despite shifting public attitudes toward the practice.
LSN India ·
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City arrested 12 individuals suspected of stealing approximately 2,700 cats in what officials described as an organized theft operation. The animals were allegedly destined for the meat trade, according to police statements.
While the consumption of cat and dog meat remains legal in Vietnam, the practice is concentrated primarily among older generations in the northern regions, where it continues as part of traditional food culture. However, attitudes toward the trade have been gradually shifting, particularly among younger urban populations and animal welfare advocates.
The scale of the alleged theft underscores the existence of organized networks involved in animal procurement for the meat industry. Police did not disclose further details regarding the intended distribution of the stolen cats or the operation's scope and timeline.
The arrests come amid growing international scrutiny of animal welfare practices in Vietnam. Animal rights organizations have increasingly focused attention on the cat and dog meat trade, which remains a contentious issue both domestically and abroad.