Vietnamese police have rescued more than 400 cats and arrested nine people after dismantling an alleged animal theft ring accused of supplying the country's cat meat trade.
Authorities say the group spent years trapping and stealing cats across southern Vietnam before selling them for meat. During raids on multiple locations, police found over 400 live cats, along with dozens of dead animals stored on ice. Investigators also recovered additional cats from a separate facility believed to be linked to the operation.
News of the rescue prompted dozens of pet owners to visit police headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City in hopes of finding missing pets. More than 40 stolen cats have since been reunited with their owners, including one woman who was unexpectedly reunited with both of her missing cats.
Animal welfare groups assisted with the rescue effort, providing food and emergency care for the surviving animals. However, many of the cats were reported to be in poor condition after their ordeal, and some later died despite receiving treatment.
Police say the suspects had allegedly been collecting and selling stolen cats for several years, with the animals destined for the meat trade. The case has renewed attention on the ongoing issue of dog and cat meat consumption in parts of Asia, where animal welfare organizations continue to push for stronger protections against pet theft and illegal trafficking.